Conservation of Momentum

Front

What is momentum?

Back

Momentum is the product of an object's mass and its velocity, represented by the formula p = mv.

Front

What is the law of conservation of momentum?

Back

The law states that in a closed system, the total momentum before an event (like a collision) is equal to the total momentum after the event.

Front

What is a closed system in the context of momentum?

Back

A closed system is one where no net external force acts on the objects involved.

Front

How do you calculate momentum?

Back

Momentum (p) is calculated using the formula p = mv, where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

If a car has a mass of 1000 kg and is moving at 20 m/s, what is its momentum?

Back

The momentum is 20,000 kg-m/s.

Front

What happens to momentum in a perfectly elastic collision?

Back

In a perfectly elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Front

What happens to momentum in an inelastic collision?

Back

In an inelastic collision, momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not.

Front

What is the relationship between force and momentum?

Back

Force is the rate of change of momentum, as described by Newton's second law: F = dp/dt.

Front

What is impulse?

Back

Impulse is the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a period of time, calculated as Impulse = Force x Time.

Front

How does mass affect momentum?

Back

An increase in mass will increase momentum if velocity remains constant.