MOMENTUM AND IMPULSE

INTRODUCTION
This lesson will explain what momentum and impulse are. Also, relationship and application of
momentum and impulse will also be discussed. In this lesson, impulse-momentum theorem and the third
law of motion will be used in obtaining the principle of conservation of momentum. Lastly, in this lesson
students will learn how to solve problems involving momentum, impulse and conservation of momentum.

TARGET COMPETENCY
 Define momentum and impulse
 State momentum-impulse theorem
 Apply the impulse-momentum theorem to find estimates of average forces during collision
 Obtain principle of conservation of momentum from impulse-momentum theorem and third law of
motion
 Apply conservation of momentum to the problem of recoil;

OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. Define momentum
2. Define impulse
3. State momentum-impulse theorem
4. Apply the impulse-momentum theorem to find estimates of average forces during collision
5. Solve problems involving recoil and collision using conservation of momentum and impulse-
momentum theorem

SUBJECT MATTER
A slowly moving train has a lot of momentum compare to a hot lead shot from the muzzle of a gun.
We therefore expect that momentum is dependent on an object’s mass and velocity.
The linear momentum (p) of an object of mass (m) with velocity (v) is the products of its mass and velocity.

𝑝 = 𝑚𝑣
SI Unit: kilogram-meter per second (kg.m/s)

Doubling the mass or the velocity of an object doubles its momentum; doubling both mass and velocity
quadruples its momentum. Momentum is a vector quantity with the same direction as the object’s velocity.
Changing the momentum of an object requires the application of a force. This is in fact how Newton
originally stated his 2nd law of motion.

𝑚∆𝑣 ∆(𝑚𝑣)
𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡 = 𝑚𝑎 = =
∆𝑡 ∆𝑡

The change in an object’s momentum divided by the elapsed time equals the constant net force acting
on the object:

∆𝑝
= 𝐹𝑛𝑒𝑡
∆𝑡

The equation is also valid when the force is changing provided that change in time is very small. If
the net force of an object is zero then, the object’s momentum will not change. Also, changing momentum
requires the continuous application of force over a period of time leading to the definition of Impulse.
If a constant force acts on an object, the impulse (J) delivered to the object over a time interval is
given by

𝐽 = 𝐹∆𝑡

SI Unit: kilogram-meter per second (kg.m/s) or Newton-second (N.s)

Impulse is a vector quantity with the same direction as the constant force acting on the object. When
a single constant force F acts on an object equations becomes

𝐽 = 𝐹∆𝑡 = ∆𝑝 = 𝑚∆𝑣 = 𝑚𝑣𝑓 − 𝑚𝑣𝑖

which is a special case of the impulse-momentum theorem. The equation above shows that the impulse of
the force acting on an object is equal to the change in momentum of that object.
In real life situations, the force on tan object is only rarely constant. For example, when a bat hits a
ball the force increases, reaches some maximum point and then decreases just as rapidly.
Boxers in the 19th century use their bare fists. In modern boxing , fighters wear gloves. How do gloves
protect the brain of the boxer from injury? Also, why do boxers often roll with the punch? The brain is
immersed in a cushoing fluid inside the skull. If the head is struck suddenly by a bare fist, the skull
accelerates rapidly. The brain matches this acceleration only because of the large impulsive force exerted
by the skull on the brain, this can cause severe injury.
ACTIVITY (REFLECTION)

Egg Drop Protection Device

Students will work in groups of 3 or 4 to design and build an egg drop device. The students will
be given only straws and tape that they can use to create a protection device for the egg. The
device will be tested in a 4-story building.

EVALUATION

Instruction: Answer the following problems in complete solution. Use GRESA.

1. Jennifer who has a mass of 50Kg is riding a 35m/s in her red sports car when she must
suddenly slam on the brakes to avoid hitting a deer crossing the road. She strikes the air bag,
that brings her body to stop in 0.500s. What average force does the seatbelt exert on her?
2. If Jennifer had not been wearing her seat belt and not had an air bag, then the windshield would have
stop her head in 0.002s. What average force would the wind shield have exerted on her.
3. Jerome plays middle linebacker for South’s varsity football team. In a game against crosstown rival
North. He delivered a hit to North’s 82kg- running back, changing his eastward velocity of 5.6m/s into a
westward velocity of 2.5m/s.
a. Determine the initial momentum of the running back
b. Determine the final momentum of the running back
c. Determine the momentum change of the running back
d. Determine the Impulse of the running back
4. A bicycle has a momentum of 24kg m/s. What momentum would the bicycle have if it had…
a. Twice the mass and was moving at the same speed
b. The same mass and was moving with twice the speed
c. One half the mass and was moving with twice the speed.
d. The same mass was moving with one half the speed
e. Three times the mass and was moving with one half the speed
f. Three times the mass and was moving with twice the speed

Reference
 Young, H. D., & Freedman, R. A. (2007). University Physics with modern Physics (12th ed.). Boston,
MA: Addison-Wesley.
 Retrieved on May 12, 2018 from:
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/momentum/Lesson-1/Momentum-and-Impulse-Connection

LESSON 13 – COLLISION

INTRODUCTION
This lesson will explain what momentum and impulse are. Also, relationship and application of
momentum and impulse will also be discussed. In this lesson, impulse-momentum theorem and the third
law of motion will be used in obtaining the principle of conservation of momentum. Lastly, in this lesson
students will learn how to solve problems involving momentum, impulse and conservation of momentum.

TARGET COMPETENCY
 Compare and contrast elastic and inelastic collisions
 Predict motion of constituent particles for different types of collisions (e.g., elastic, inelastic)
 Solve problems involving impulse, and momentum in contexts such as, but not limited to vehicle
collisions.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. Define collision
2. Differentiate the two major types of collision
3. Solve problems involving collision using conservation of momentum and impulse-momentum theorem

SUBJECT MATTER
A collision occurs when two or more objects hit each other. When objects collide, each object exerts a
force for a short amount of time. This force imparts an impulse or changes the momentum of each of the
colliding objects. But if the system of particles is isolated, we know that momentum is conserved. Therefore,
while the momentum of each individual particle involved in the collision changes, the total momentum of
the system remains constant.
The procedure for analyzing a collision depends on whether the process is elastic or inelastic. Kinetic
energy is conserved in elastic collisions, whereas kinetic energy is converted into other forms of energy
during an inelastic collision. In both types of collisions, momentum is conserved.
Inelastic Collision
Certain collisions are referred to as elastic collisions. Elastic collisions are collisions in which both
momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. The total system kinetic energy before the collision equals
the total system kinetic energy after the collision. If total kinetic energy is not conserved, then the collision
is referred to as an inelastic collision.

In the collision between the truck and the car, total system momentum is conserved. Before the
collision, the momentum of the car is 20000 kg*m/s and the momentum of the truck is 0 kg*m/s; the total
system momentum is 20000 kg*m/s. After the collision, the momentum of the car is 5000 kg*m/s and the
momentum of the truck is 15000 kg*m/s; the total system momentum is 20000 kg*m/s. The total system
momentum is conserved. The momentum lost by the car (15000 kg*m/s) is gained by the truck.
An analysis of the kinetic energy of the two objects reveals that the total system kinetic energy before
the collision is 200000 Joules (200000 J for the car plus 0 J for the truck). After the collision, the total
system kinetic energy is 50000 Joules (12500 J for the car and 37500 J for the truck). The total kinetic
energy before the collision is not equal to the total kinetic energy after the collision. A portion of the kinetic
energy is converted to other forms of energy such as sound energy and thermal energy. A collision in which
total system kinetic energy is not conserved is known as an inelastic collision.

Completely Inelastic Collisions

A completely inelastic collision, also called a “perfectly” or “totally” inelastic collision, is one in which
the colliding objects stick together upon impact. As a result, the velocity of the two colliding objects is the
same after they collide. Because 𝑣1′ = 𝑣2′ = 𝑣′, it is possible to solve problems asking about the resulting
velocities of objects in a completely inelastic collision using only the law of conservation of momentum.

Sample problem

Two gumballs, of mass 1Kg and mass 2Kg respectively, collide head-on. Before impact, the gumball of
mass 1kg is moving with a velocity of 10m/s , and the gumball of mass 2Kg is stationary. What is the final
velocity of the gumball wad?

Before After
m1 = 1Kg m = 1-kg + 2-kg = 3-kg
m2 = 2Kg v=?
v1 = 10m/s
v2 = 0m/s
𝑝𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 = 𝑝𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟
𝑚1𝑏𝑒𝑓 𝑣1𝑏𝑒𝑓 + 𝑚2𝑏𝑒𝑓 𝑣2𝑏𝑒𝑓 = 𝑚𝑎𝑓𝑡 𝑣𝑎𝑓𝑡

Dividing both sides of the equation by 𝑚𝑎𝑓𝑡

𝑚1𝑏𝑒𝑓 𝑣1𝑏𝑒𝑓 + 𝑚2𝑏𝑒𝑓 𝑣2𝑏𝑒𝑓

𝑣𝑎𝑓𝑡 =
𝑚𝑎𝑓𝑡
𝑣𝑎𝑓𝑡 = [(1𝑘𝑔 𝑥 10𝑚/𝑠) + (2𝐾𝑔 𝑥 0𝑚/𝑠)] / 3𝐾𝑔
𝒗𝒂𝒇𝒕 = 𝟑. 𝟑𝟑𝒎/𝒔
Elastic Collisions
Elastic collisions are collisions in which both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. The total
system kinetic energy before the collision equals the total system kinetic energy after the collision. If total
kinetic energy is not conserved, then the collision is referred to as an inelastic collision.Anyone who plays
pool has observed elastic collisions. In fact, you’d better head over to the pool hall right now and start
studying! Some kinetic energy is converted into sound energy when pool balls collide—otherwise, the
collision would be silent—and a very small amount of kinetic energy is lost to friction. However, the
dissipated energy is such a small fraction of the ball’s kinetic energy that we can treat the collision as
elastic.

Equations for Kinetic Energy and Linear Momentum

Let’s examine an elastic collision between two particles of mass 𝑚1 and 𝑚2 , respectively. Assume that
the collision is head-on, so we are dealing with only one dimension—you are unlikely to find two-
dimensional collisions of any complexity on SAT II Physics. The velocities of the particles before the elastic
collision are 𝑣1 and 𝑣2 , respectively. The velocities of the particles after the elastic collision 𝑣1 ′
are and 𝑣2 ′. Applying the law of conservation of kinetic energy, we find:

1 1 1 1
𝑚1 𝑣12 + 𝑚2 𝑣22 = 𝑚1 𝑣1 𝑟 2 + 𝑚2 𝑣2 𝑟 2
2 2 2 2

Applying the law of conservation of linear momentum:

𝑚1 𝑣1 + 𝑚2 𝑣2 = 𝑚1 𝑣1 ′ + 𝑚2 𝑣2 ′
These two equations put together will help you solve any problem involving elastic collisions. Usually,
you will be given quantities for 𝑚1 , 𝑚2 , 𝑣1 and 𝑣2 , and can then manipulate the two equations to solve
for 𝑣1 ′ and 𝑣2 ′.

Sample Problem
A 5kg mass traveling 12m/s meets and collides elastically with a 2kg mass traveling 30m/s in the
opposite direction. Find the final velocity of the 2kg object if the velocity of 5kg object after collision is
7m/s.

Given:
m1bef = 5 kg m1aft = 5 kg
m2bef = 2 kg m2aft = 2 kg
v1bef = 12 m/s v1aft = 7 m/s
v2bef = 30 m/s

Required:
v2aft = ?

Equation:
𝑝𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 = 𝑝𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟
𝑚1𝑏𝑒𝑓 𝑣1𝑏𝑒𝑓 + 𝑚2𝑏𝑒𝑓 𝑣2𝑏𝑒𝑓 = 𝑚1𝑎𝑓𝑡 𝑣1𝑎𝑓𝑡 + 𝑚2𝑎𝑓𝑡 𝑣2𝑎𝑓𝑡
𝑚1𝑏𝑒𝑓 𝑣1𝑏𝑒𝑓 + 𝑚2𝑏𝑒𝑓 𝑣2𝑏𝑒𝑓 − 𝑚1𝑎𝑓𝑡 𝑣1𝑎𝑓𝑡 = 𝑚2𝑎𝑓𝑡 𝑣2𝑎𝑓𝑡

Dividing both sides of the equation by 𝑚2𝑎𝑓𝑡

𝑚1𝑏𝑒𝑓 𝑣1𝑏𝑒𝑓 + 𝑚2𝑏𝑒𝑓 𝑣2𝑏𝑒𝑓 − 𝑚1𝑎𝑓𝑡 𝑣1𝑎𝑓𝑡

= 𝑣2𝑎𝑓𝑡
𝑚2𝑎𝑓𝑡
Solution:
𝑚1𝑏𝑒𝑓 𝑣1𝑏𝑒𝑓 + 𝑚2𝑏𝑒𝑓 𝑣2𝑏𝑒𝑓 − 𝑚1𝑎𝑓𝑡 𝑣1𝑎𝑓𝑡
𝑣2𝑎𝑓𝑡 =
𝑚2𝑎𝑓𝑡
𝑣2𝑎𝑓𝑡 = [(5𝑘𝑔 𝑥 12𝑚/𝑠) + (2𝑘𝑔 𝑥 30𝑚/𝑠) − (5𝑘𝑔 𝑥 7𝑚/𝑠)] / 2𝑘𝑔

Answer:
𝒗𝟐𝒂𝒇𝒕 = 𝟒𝟐. 𝟓 𝒎/
 ACTIVITY (REFLECTION)

Bouncing Balls: Collisions, Momentum

Learning Objectives
After this activity, students should be able to:

 Understand that momentum depends on both mass and velocity.

 Recognize that different surfaces and materials promote different types of collisions.
 Collect data to solve equations.
 Learn that understanding material properties is an important aspect of engineering design
Materials
 Each group needs:
 3 different balls (suggestions: ping-pong ball, tennis ball, racquetball, golf ball, baseball, super
ball, clay, billiards ball)
 3 different bouncing surfaces (suggestions: tile floor, linoleum floor, carpeted floor, wooden block,
cinder block)
 kilogram or gram scale
 meter stick
Procedure
Before the Activity
1. Gather materials.
2. Make enough copies of the Bouncing Balls Worksheet so that each student has one.
With the Students
1. Determine the mass in kilograms of each ball and record it on the data sheet.
2. Drop each ball from a distance of 1 meter onto the surface and record how high it bounces in
meters (example: 0.46 meters).
3. Note whether the ball and surface showed more of an elastic or inelastic collision.
 If the ball bounces up more than 0.5 meters, then it is more elastic.
 If it bounces up less than 0.5 meters, then it is more inelastic.
4. Repeat steps 1, 2 and 3 for the two other surfaces.
5. Calculate the velocity for each ball right before it bounces (question 1) and right after it bounces
(question 2).
6. Calculate the momentum for each ball right before it bounces (question 3) and right after (question
4).
7. Calculate the percentage of momentum lost for each case (question 5).

Reference:
Retrieved on May 21, 2018 from:
https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/cub_energy_lesson03_activity

EVALUATION

Instruction: Answer the following problems in complete solution. Use GRESA.

1. A ball of mass 3 Kg is moving with the velocity of 22m/s collides with a stationary ball
of mass 10K g and comes to rest. Calculate the velocity of ball of mass 10 Kg ball after c
collision.
2. A 5g marble moving with initial velocity of 10 m/s. Another marble with a mass of 10g is moving
towards the first marble with velocity 18 m/s. After collision the first marble comes to rest .Calculate
the final velocity of second marble after collision.
3. A red car collides into a blue car which was moving in the same direction. After the collision both
cars moved together for a few seconds. If the red car weighed 1500 kg and was moving with a velocity
of 30 m/s while the blue car, weighing 2000 kg, was moving with a velocity of 15 m/s before the
collision, what is the velocity of the system formed by both cars immediately after the collision?
(Assume the direction to the right as positive).

Reference
 Young, H. D., & Freedman, R. A. (2007). University Physics with modern Physics (12th ed.). Boston,
MA: Addison-Wesley.
 Retrieved on May 21, 2018 from:
http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/books/sat2/physics/chapter9section4.rhtm
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/momentum/crete.cfm