Impulse Momentum

What is momentum?

A property of moving things, defined as mass multiplied by velocity.

What does momentum mean in terms of motion?

It means inertia in motion.

How is momentum calculated?

Momentum = mass × velocity.

What happens to the momentum of a boulder at rest?

A boulder at rest has no momentum.

What is impulse?

The product of force and time, calculated as Impulse = Ft.

How does impulse affect momentum?

The greater the impulse exerted, the greater the change in momentum.

What occurs when the speed of an object is doubled?

Its momentum doubles.

What is the law of conservation of momentum?

In the absence of an external force, the momentum of a system remains unchanged.

What is an elastic collision?

A collision where objects rebound without lasting deformation or heat generation.

What is an inelastic collision?

A collision resulting in deformation and/or generation of heat.

What happens to momentum in a collision?

Net momentum before collision equals net momentum after collision.

What is an example of an elastic collision?

Two identical cars colliding where both rebound without deformation.

What is the effect of a longer time of contact in impulse?

It results in a greater change in momentum.

What is the result of a fast-moving car hitting a haystack vs. a cement wall?

Both experience the same change in momentum, but the force is smaller with the haystack.

Why is it better to hit a haystack than a concrete wall when out of control?

The longer hitting time reduces the force, despite the same impulse.

What is the relationship between impulse and force when time is doubled?

The impulse is doubled.

What happens to the speed of coupled freight cars after a collision?

The speed is halved compared to the initial speed of the moving freight car.

What is the significance of the cannonball and cannon example?

The cannonball gains momentum equal and opposite to the cannon's recoil.

What is the effect of a longer barrel on a cannonball's speed?

It provides a greater impulse, resulting in greater speed.

What is the result of a dish falling on a carpet vs. a hard floor?

The change in momentum is the same, but the average force is less on the carpet.

What is the formula for momentum?

Momentum = mass × velocity.

What is the effect of a short time interval on force during momentum change?

It produces a large force.