Momentum Edexcel IGCSE Physics Vocabulary Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from IGCSE Physics lecture notes on Momentum.

Momentum (p)

A property that all moving objects have; the product of an object's mass and velocity (p = mv).

Units of Momentum

Kilogram metre per second (kg m/s).

Principle of Conservation of Momentum

The principle that states the total momentum before an interaction equals the total momentum after, if no external forces are acting

Collision (in context of momentum)

A collision where two objects collide with each other.

Explosion (in context of momentum)

Where a stationary object explodes into two or more parts.

Force (related to momentum)

The rate of change of momentum of a body; F = (mv − mu) / t

Newton's Third Law of Motion

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

Vehicle Safety Features

Designed to absorb energy upon impact by changing shape, increasing the contact time over which the collision occurs.

Seat Belts

Designed to stop a passenger from colliding with the interior of a vehicle by keeping them fixed to their seat; stretch slightly to increase impact time.

Airbags

Deployed at the front to act as a soft cushion to prevent injury when a passenger is thrown forward upon impact.

Crumple Zones

Designed into the exterior of vehicles to crush or crumple in a controlled way during a collision, increasing the time over which the vehicle comes to rest.

Crash Mats

Thick, soft mats that offer shock absorption to reduce the risk of injury from falls.