Impulse-and-Momentum

Center of Mass

An imaginary point where a force can be applied to cause a change in an object's linear motion without affecting its rotational motion.

Balance Point

Another term for the center of mass of an object; the point where the mass is evenly distributed.

Impulse

The amount of change in momentum of an object, which is related to the force applied over a time interval.

Momentum

The quantity of motion an object has, determined by its mass and velocity.

Linear Momentum

Momentum that is vector in nature and directed in the same way as the object's velocity.

Impulse-Momentum Theorem

Describes the relationship between impulse and momentum change, stating that impulse equals the change in momentum.

Conservation of Linear Momentum

A principle stating that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant if no external forces act on it.

Isolated System

A system that has no interaction with its environment or where no external forces are acting.

Collision

A short-duration physical contact between two objects that results in the exchange of momentum.

Force of Impact

The force experienced by an object during a collision, which can be minimized by increasing the duration of impact.