Physics | Momentum, Impulse, and Collision (Terms)

Momentum

The measurement of an object’s mass in motion, where mass is multiplied to its velocity.

Impulse

The measure of how much a force changes the momentum of an object over a specific period of time.

Impulse-Momentum Theory

States that the impulse applied to an object is exactly equal to its change in momentum.

Collision

An interaction between two or more bodies that come in contact with each other.

Law of Conservation of Momentum

States that if no outside forces act on a group of objects, the total momentum before collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision.

Elastic Collision

Type of Collision

Bodies are separated after collision. Both momentum and energy are conserved. The coefficient of restitution is equal to 1.

Inelastic Collision

Type of Collision

Bodies are separated after collision. However, kinetic energy is not conserved. The coefficient of restitution is between 0 to 1.

Perfectly Inelastic Collision

Type of Collision

Bodies stick together after collision with maximum energy loss. The coefficient of restitution is equal to 0.

Perfectly Elastic Collision

Type of Collision

Both total momentum and total kinetic energy are conserved.