Linear Momentum

Introduction

Linear momentum deals with collisions. First, we will define momentum and impulse. Both of these concepts are used to predict the results of two objects colliding or the explosion of objects. Next, we will apply the concepts of conservation of linear momentum and conservation of energy to both elastic and inelastic collisions.

Essential Questions

What is the linear momentum of a system of objects?
What is the relationship between impulse and a change in linear momentum?
What is the relationship between linear momentum and center-of-mass motion for a system of particles?
What is the relationship between the area under a force versus time graph and the change in linear momentum?
What is the change in momentum of an object when the net force acting on the object is a function F(t)?
How is linear momentum conservation a consequence of Newton's Third Law for an isolated system?
Under what situations is linear momentum, or a component of a linear momentum vector, conserved?
How is conservation of linear momentum applied to one and two dimensional elastic and inelastic collisions?
What is the motion of and energy released by two or more objects pushed apart by a spring or other agency?

Key Terms

Momentum - A quantity of an object that is its mass times velocity.
Impulse - Force times the time of impact.
Elastic Collision - A collision between objects where no energy is lost.
Inelastic Collision - A collision between objects where energy is lost.

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