AP Physics Vocab for Momentum and Energy Unit

Collision

A situation in which two objects in close contact exchange energy and momentum

Impulsive Force

A large force exerted during a short interval of time

Impulse

Represents the area under a force vs time curve

Momentum

The product of the object's mass and velocity

Impulse-Momentum Theorem

An impulse delivered to an object causes the object's momentum to change

Impulse Approximation

Ignoring small forces during the brief time of the impulsive force

Internal Forces

Forces that act only between particles within the system

External Forces

Forces from agents outside the system

Isolated System

When there is no net external force acting that can change an object's momentum

Law of Conservation of Momentum

States that there is no change in the total momentum of the system

Explosion

Particles of a system move apart after a brief, intense interaction, is the opposite of collision

Inelastic Collision

A collision in which two objects stick together and move with a common final velocity

Total Energy

The sum of the different kinds of energies present in the system

Work

The mechanical transfer of energy to or from a system by pushing or pulling it

Law of Conservation of Energy

States that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant, it is conserved, and no work is done on an isolated system. Change in the system's energy equals the amount of work done.

Kinetic Energy

Energy of motion

Potential Energy

Stored energy that has the potential to be converted into other forms of energy

Conservative Force

Interaction forces that can store useful energy

Nonconservative Force

A force that causes energy to not be stored

Thermal Energy

The sum of all microscopic potential and kinetic energies

Elastic Collision

A collision in which mechanical energy is conserved

Power

The rate at which energy is transformed

Elastic/Spring Potential Energy

Energy stored in a compressed or extended spring

Gravitational Potential Energy

Stored energy associated with an object's height above the ground

Mechanical Energy

The sum of the kinetic and potential energies in a system