Physics A.2 Forces and Momentum

Linear momentum

Linear momentum is a vector quantity defined as the product of an object’s mass and its velocity.

Impulse

Impulse is the change in momentum of an object.

Elastic collision

An elastic collision is a collision in which both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Inelastic collision

An inelastic collision is a collision in which momentum is conserved but kinetic energy is not.

Explosion

An explosion is a process in which a system breaks apart into multiple parts, typically releasing energy.

Centripetal acceleration

Centripetal acceleration is the acceleration experienced by an object moving in a circular path.

Newton’s 1st law of motion

An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by a net force.

Newton’s 2nd law of motion

The net force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration.

Newton’s 3rd law of motion

For every force acting on A by B, there is an equal magnitude and opposite direction of force acting on B by A.

Force

Force is a vector quantity that can change the state of motion of an object.

Free-body diagram

A free-body diagram is a graphical representation used to visualize the forces acting on a single object.

Resultant force

Resultant force is the net force acting on an object, calculated by vectorially summing all the individual forces.

Normal force

The normal force is a contact force that acts perpendicular to the surface of contact.

Frictional force

Frictional force is a contact force that acts parallel to the surface of contact.

Elastic restoring force

Elastic restoring force is a force that acts to restore a deformed elastic object to its original shape.

Viscous drag force

Viscous drag force opposes the motion of an object through a fluid.

Buoyancy

Buoyancy is an upward force exerted on an object immersed in a fluid.

Magnetic force

Magnetic force is the force experienced by a moving charge or a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field.