All Flashcards
What are the steps to apply conservation of momentum?
- Identify the system and ensure it's closed (no external forces). 2. Write down the initial momentum of all objects in the system. 3. Write down the final momentum of all objects in the system. 4. Set the total initial momentum equal to the total final momentum: . 5. Solve for the unknown quantities.
What are the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions?
Elastic Collisions: Kinetic energy is conserved, objects bounce off each other. | Inelastic Collisions: Kinetic energy is not conserved, objects may stick together.
Compare momentum and impulse.
Momentum: Measure of an object's motion (mass x velocity). | Impulse: Change in momentum (force x time).
What are the key differences between elastic and inelastic collisions?
Elastic: Kinetic energy is conserved. Inelastic: Kinetic energy is not conserved, often converted to heat/sound.
Compare momentum before and after a collision in an isolated system.
Total momentum before a collision equals total momentum after a collision (conservation of momentum).
Compare kinetic energy before and after an elastic collision.
Total kinetic energy before an elastic collision equals total kinetic energy after the collision.
Compare kinetic energy before and after an inelastic collision.
Total kinetic energy before an inelastic collision is greater than the total kinetic energy after the collision. Kinetic energy is lost to other forms of energy.
Differentiate between positive and negative momentum.
Positive momentum: motion to the right or upwards. Negative momentum: motion to the left or downwards.