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What is momentum ($vec{p}$)?
A measure of an object's motion; a vector quantity equal to mass times velocity: $\vec{p} = m\vec{v}$
What is Impulse ($vec{J}$)?
The change in momentum of an object, equal to the force applied times the time interval: $\vec{J} = \Delta\vec{p} = \vec{F}\Delta t$
What is a closed system (in the context of momentum)?
A system where no external forces act upon it, meaning the total momentum remains constant.
Define elastic collision.
A collision where both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.
Define inelastic collision.
A collision where momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not. Some kinetic energy is converted to other forms of energy.
What is a perfectly inelastic collision?
A collision where objects stick together after impact, resulting in the maximum loss of kinetic energy.
Elastic vs. Inelastic Collisions?
Elastic: Kinetic energy conserved, objects bounce off each other cleanly. Inelastic: Kinetic energy not conserved, some energy lost as heat/deformation, objects may stick together.
Momentum vs. Impulse?
Momentum: Measure of an object's motion ($m\vec{v}$). Impulse: Change in momentum ($\Delta\vec{p}$), caused by a force acting over time.
What is the effect of an external force on a system's momentum?
An external force causes a change in the system's total momentum (impulse).
What happens when two objects collide in a perfectly inelastic collision?
The objects stick together and move with a common final velocity, with a loss of kinetic energy.
What is the effect of Newton's Third Law on momentum conservation?
Internal forces within a system act in equal and opposite pairs, resulting in no net change in the system's total momentum.