Dynamics of the Point Particle and Conservation of Momentum

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture notes on the dynamics of point particles and conservation of momentum.

Classical dynamics

The study of mechanical motion of bodies with constant masses resulting from their interactions.

First Principle of Dynamics (Law of Inertia)

A body maintains its state of rest or uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force.

Inertial Reference Frame

A reference frame in which Newton's first law is observed, indicating no net external force.

Second Principle of Dynamics (Newton's Second Law)

The rate of change of momentum is proportional to the force applied.

Newton's Third Law

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction between interacting bodies.

Law of Superposition of Forces

The resultant of multiple forces acting on a particle can replace those forces, and vice versa.

Law of Conservation of Momentum

In an isolated system where no external forces act, the total momentum remains constant.

Center of Mass

The point representing the average position of the mass distribution in a system of particles.

Elastic Force

The restoring force that acts to return a deformed object to its original shape.

Hooke's Law

The elastic force is proportional to the deformation and acts in the opposite direction to it.

Friction Force

The force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of such motion of two surfaces in contact.

Universal Gravitation

The force of attraction between two material points is proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

Gravitational Constant (K)

The proportionality factor in Newton's law of universal gravitation.