A-Level Physics: Further Mechanics: Momentum Recap

what is momentum?

product of an object’s mass and velocity

what is the formula for momentum?

mv

what does the principle of conservation of momentum state?

momentum before event is equal to momentum after event

what is the formula linking force, momentum and time?

F=p/t or F=)mv-mu)/t

what is an elastic collision?

where kinetic energy is conserved during a collision

what is an inelastic collision?

where kinetic energy is not conserved during a collision

what is a perfectly inelastic collision?

where all kinetic energy is lost during a collision

what happens to momentum during a collision?

momentum is always initially conserved no matter whether the collision is elastic or inelastic

when can elastic collisions occur?

when an object is ‘bouncy’

when can perfectly inelastic collisions occur?

when an object is ‘sticky’

why are elastic collisions rare?

typically energy is transferred from KE stores to sound and/or heat