Energy and Conservation Laws

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to linear momentum, conservation laws, collisions, and Newton's laws as studied in PHY100.

Linear Momentum

The product of a system's mass multiplied by its velocity, represented as p = mv.

Vector

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction, such as momentum.

SI unit for momentum

Kilogram meter per second (kg·m/s).

Conservation of Linear Momentum

The total linear momentum of an isolated system is constant.

Elastic Collision

A type of collision where colliding objects separate instantaneously and kinetic energy is conserved.

Inelastic Collision

A type of collision where colliding objects separate after a duration and some kinetic energy is lost.

Perfectly Inelastic Collision

A type of collision where colliding objects stick together and move as one, involving the greatest loss of kinetic energy.

Newton's Second Law in terms of momentum

The net external force equals the change in momentum of a system divided by the time over which it changes (F = Δp/Δt).

Isolated System

A system with no outside forces causing changes in the linear momenta of the objects inside.

Collisions

Interactions between two or more bodies where they exert equal and opposite forces on one another.

Kinetic Energy

The energy that an object possesses due to its motion.