Momentum and Collisions

Front

What happens when two toy cars collide?

Back

Energy is transferred.

Front

What is the equation for momentum?

Back

p = m*v

Front

What does the law of conservation of momentum state?

Back

The total momentum of a system remains constant if no external forces act on it.

Front

What is momentum measured in?

Back

kilogram meters per second (kg m/s)

Front

When comparing the momentum of two moving objects, which statement is correct?

Back

The less massive object will have less momentum if the velocities are the same.

Front

Define momentum.

Back

Momentum is the product of an object's mass and its velocity.

Front

What is the unit of momentum?

Back

kilogram meters per second (kg m/s)

Front

Explain the principle of conservation of momentum in a closed system.

Back

In a closed system, the total momentum before and after a collision remains constant.

Front

What is an elastic collision?

Back

An elastic collision is one in which both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Front

What is an inelastic collision?

Back

An inelastic collision is one in which momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not.