MOMenTumM

Momentum

A property that all moving objects have, calculated as the product of mass and velocity.

Momentum equation

The equation that defines momentum: p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity.

Conservation of momentum

The principle that the total momentum before an interaction is equal to the total momentum after the interaction, if no external forces are acting.

Positive momentum

Momentum that indicates an object is moving in the positive direction.

Negative momentum

Momentum that indicates an object is moving in the negative direction.

Force

The rate of change of momentum acting on an object, defined by the equation F = ma.

Newton's Third Law

States that whenever two objects interact, the forces they exert on each other are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.

Crumple zones

Design features in vehicles that absorb energy during an impact by changing shape.

Airbags

Safety features in vehicles that deploy during a collision to cushion the passenger.

Safety features

Devices or designs intended to reduce the impact of forces in a collision, thereby minimizing the risk of injury.

Crash mats

Thick and soft mats used in gymnasiums to absorb shock and reduce the risk of injury during falls.

Contact time

The duration over which a force is applied during a collision, affecting the severity of the impact.

Vector quantity

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction, such as momentum.

Initial velocity (u)

The velocity of an object before a collision.

Final velocity (v)

The velocity of an object after a collision.

Acceleration (a)

The rate of change of velocity of an object.

Resultant force (F)

The overall force acting on an object, taking into account all individual forces.

Mass (m)

The amount of matter in an object, typically measured in kilograms.

Impulse

The change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over time.