Momentum Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from a lecture on momentum, conservation of momentum, collisions, force, and safety features related to momentum.

Momentum

A moving object's measure of inertia, calculated as p = mv, where p is momentum in kg m/s, m is mass in kg, and v is velocity in m/s.

Conservation of Momentum

The principle that in a closed system, the total momentum before an event equals the total momentum after the event.

Elastic Collision

A collision where objects move in opposite directions.

Inelastic Collision

Collision where objects collide and move in the same direction together.

Force

The rate of change in momentum.

Vehicle Safety Features

Designed to absorb energy upon impact by changing shape, including crumple zones, seat belts, and airbags.

Seat Belts

Designed to stop a passenger from colliding with the interior of a vehicle by keeping them fixed to their seat.

Airbags

Deployed at the front on the dashboard and steering wheel when a collision occurs and act as a soft cushion.

Crumple Zones

Designed into the exterior of vehicles to crush or crumple in a controlled way in a collision.

Crash Mats

Thick and soft to offer shock absorption of the force created by a person landing on the mat.