All Flashcards
What happens when the net external force on a system is zero?
The total momentum of the system remains constant.
What happens in a completely inelastic collision?
Objects stick together, and kinetic energy is not conserved.
What happens if the net external force on a system is zero regarding the center of mass?
The acceleration of the center of mass is zero; if moving, it continues with the same velocity.
What happens if there's a net external force on a system regarding the center of mass?
The center of mass will accelerate as if it were a single particle with the total mass of the system.
What are the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions?
Elastic: Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. Inelastic: Momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not.
What is momentum?
Momentum is usually conserved during a collision if the net external force on a system is zero (or negligible).
What is an elastic collision?
A collision where objects bounce off each other, and both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
What is an inelastic collision?
A collision where objects either stick together or deform, and kinetic energy is not conserved, but momentum is still conserved.
What is a completely inelastic collision?
A special type of inelastic collision where objects stick together after colliding.
What is the center of mass (COM)?
The point where the system's mass is evenly distributed; the balancing point of an object.