Unit Five: Momentum- essential knowledge

What effect does the force that one object exerts on a second object have on the second object's momentum?

The force changes the momentum of the second object, provided there are no other forces acting on the second object.

What do the units of momentum correspond to in a force versus time graph?

The units of momentum are the same as the units of the area under the curve of a force versus time graph.

What quantities are conserved in all systems under all circumstances?

Energy, charge, linear momentum, and angular momentum are conserved in all systems under all circumstances.

How do conserved quantities behave in a closed or isolated system?

In a closed or isolated system, conserved quantities remain constant.

What is an open system?

What happens to linear momentum in a closed system during a collision?

What happens to linear momentum in a closed system during a collision?

In a closed system, linear momentum is constant throughout the collision.

On what factors does the center of mass of a system depend?

The center of mass of a system depends on the masses and positions of the objects in the system.

How does the velocity of the center of mass change in an isolated system?

In an isolated system with no external forces, the velocity of the center of mass does not change.

What happens to the velocity of the center of mass when objects in a system collide?

The velocity of the center of mass of the system will not change unless an external force is exerted on the system.

How is the center of mass positioned relative to the masses in a system with a heavier and lighter mass?

The center of mass is closer to the heavier mass. A qualitative understanding of this concept is required.