Momentum Impulse and Collisions

Maite M. Xin L. Emily A. Cesar F.

What is momentum?
Momentum is the product of an objects mass and velocity.
Side Note: F=ma= m(v/ t)= (mv)/t= p/t
Units: kg(m/s) Momentum= Mass x Velocity Momentum is a vector quantity! This means that momentum has x and y components, and adds as a vector.

The momentum of a system is the vector sum of the momentum of its parts

Solution

Impulse is a measure of how much the momentum of a system is changed by an external force
Impulse is also a vector!

Impulse

Units of impulse: N*s

*Impulse and momentum have equivalent units! N*s = kg*m/s Impulse-Momentum Theorem J=Ft=p

Example Problem
A force of 50 N is exerted on a 125-g soccer ball for a period of 0.2 seconds. Calculate the final velocity of the ball a) using impulse and momentum. b) using Newtons Second Law. c) Choose which method you prefer

Solution

Conservation of Momentum
pi = pf
The law of conservation of momentum states that when a system of interacting objects is not influenced by outside forces (like friction), the total momentum of the system cannot change.

If you throw a rock forward from a skateboard, you will move backward in response.

Collisions in One Dimension

A collision occurs when two or more objects hit each other. During a collision, momentum is transferred from one object to another. Collisions can be elastic or inelastic.

Elastic vs Inelastic