Momentum, Impulse, and Collisions - Vocabulary Flashcards (Video Notes)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from momentum, impulse, and collisions topics as presented in the video notes.

Momentum

The measure of an object's motion, equal to the product of its mass and velocity (p = mv); units: kg·m/s.

Mass

The amount of matter in an object (m); affects momentum; measured in kilograms (kg).

Velocity

Speed with a direction; rate of change of position; measured in meters per second (m/s).

Impulse

The measure of how a force changes an object's motion; product of force and time; equals change in momentum (Δp); units: N·s or kg·m/s.

Change in Momentum (Δp)

The difference between final and initial momentum; Δp = m(vf − vi).

Force

A push or pull that causes a change in an object's momentum; measured in Newtons (N); related by Δp = fΔt.

Time (Δt)

The duration over which a force acts.

p = mv

Momentum equation; momentum equals mass times velocity; units: kg·m/s.

Δp = m(vf − vi)

Change in momentum; final momentum minus initial momentum.

f = Δp/Δt

Force calculated from the change in momentum over the time interval.

Elastic Collision

Collision in which objects bounce with no net loss of total kinetic energy (KE is conserved); example: billiard balls.

Inelastic Collision

Collision in which objects stick together or deform; some kinetic energy is lost (often as heat, sound, or deformation); example: car crash.

Conservation of Momentum

In an isolated system, total momentum before equals total momentum after; in two-object collisions, the momentum change of one object is equal and opposite to the other.

Collision

Interaction when two objects come into contact and exert forces on each other; momentum changes as a result.

Center of Mass

The weighted average position of all mass in a system; used in momentum analyses and diagrams.

Kinetic Energy

Energy due to motion; used to distinguish elastic (no KE loss) from inelastic (KE lost) collisions.

Crumple Zone

Vehicle design feature that absorbs impact by increasing the time over which momentum changes, reducing the force on passengers.

Seatbelts and Airbags

Safety devices that increase the time over which momentum changes, reducing force during a crash.

1D Collision

Collision that occurs along a single dimension; commonly used in collision simulations (Explore 1D).