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What is momentum (vecpvec{p})?

A measure of an object's motion; a vector quantity equal to mass times velocity: p=mv\vec{p} = m\vec{v}

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All Flashcards

What is momentum (vecpvec{p})?

A measure of an object's motion; a vector quantity equal to mass times velocity: p=mv\vec{p} = m\vec{v}

What is Impulse (vecJvec{J})?

The change in momentum of an object, equal to the force applied times the time interval: J=Δp=FΔt\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 (mvm\vec{v}). Impulse: Change in momentum (Δp\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.