Linear Momentum and Collisions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to Chapter 9: Linear Momentum and Collisions from the physics lecture notes.

Linear Momentum

A vector quantity that describes the product of an object's mass and its velocity.

Impulse

A vector quantity that represents the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a time interval.

Conservation of Momentum

The principle stating that if no external forces act on a system, the total momentum of the system remains constant.

Inelastic Collision

A type of collision in which momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not, and the objects may stick together.

Elastic Collision

A collision in which both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Center of Mass

The point at which the mass of a system is concentrated and balanced in a uniform gravitational field.

Newton's Second Law

The law stating that the net force acting on an object is equal to the rate of change of the object's momentum.

Completely Inelastic Collision

A special case of an inelastic collision where the colliding objects stick together after the collision.

System of Particles

A collection of two or more particles that can exert forces on one another, analyzed as an aggregate.

Rocket Propulsion

The process by which a rocket moves forward as it expels mass (fuel) backward, resulting in a change in momentum.