Physics Momentum

Momentum

The product of an object's mass and its velocity, representing the quantity of motion an object possesses.

Impulse

The change in momentum resulting from a force applied over a period of time.

Force

An interaction that changes the motion of an object, expressed as mass times acceleration (F = ma).

Collision

An event in which two or more bodies exert forces on each other for a relatively short time.

Elastic Collision

A collision in which kinetic energy is conserved before and after the event.

Inelastic Collision

A collision in which kinetic energy is not conserved, and some energy is converted to other forms.

Explosion

A rapid increase in volume and release of energy in an extreme manner, often involving a forceful expansion.

Conservation

The principle that in a closed system, certain properties like momentum remain constant over time.

What is momentum?

Momentum is the product of an object's mass and velocity.

What kinds of objects have momentum?

Any object that is moving, regardless of its mass.

How can you change momentum? (two answers)

By changing the object's mass or its velocity.

What are the units of momentum?

Kilogram meters per second (kg·m/s).

What is impulse?

Impulse is the product of the force applied and the time duration over which it is applied.

What is the difference between “impulse” and “change in momentum?”

Impulse is the mechanism that changes momentum; they are equal in value but represent different concepts.

What are units of impulse?

Newton-seconds (N·s) or kilogram meters per second (kg·m/s).

How can you maximize the impulse/change in momentum? (two answers)

By increasing the force applied or extending the duration of time that the force is applied.

What is the relationship between impulse and time of impact?

Impulse increases with longer time of impact, allowing for a smaller force.

What is the relationship between impulse and force of impact?

Impulse increases with greater force applied over the same time period.

Why are large, fast objects harder to stop than small, slow objects?

They have greater momentum due to their larger mass and/or velocity.

What does it mean to say that momentum is conserved in a system?

The total momentum of a closed system remains constant before and after interactions, like collisions.

When two pool balls in an isolated system collide, what happens to overall momentum?

The overall momentum of the system remains the same.

Name three real world things that reduce momentum over a long period of time.

Airbags, crumple zones in cars, and safety nets.

Why does a player follow through with their swing?

To maximize the impulse delivered to the ball, increasing its momentum.

Why do airplanes need such a long landing strip/runway?

To reduce speed gradually and safely dissipate momentum.

Explain why turning off the Titanic's engines wouldn't have avoided a collision with the iceberg.

Without propulsion, the ship would continue moving forward due to its momentum, making it impossible to stop in time.