Momentum ​

​

• Momentum is “inertia in motion.”

• Momentum is represented by “p”.

• Momentum is the product of the mass and the velocity of an object. 

                             p = mv

• Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. Its direction is the same as its velocity.

Solving for velocity

​Velocity is distance over time

​

​v=d/t

​

​Some problems will make you find the velocity first before finding momentum

​Weight vs. Mass

​When solving for momentum we use mass, but sometimes they give us weight instead.

• ​Mass is matter in an object.

• ​Weight is the mass multiplied by the gravity being applied to the object.​

​Converting weight to mass

• Mass is in kg

• ​Weight is in N

• ​converting N to kg - take the Weight (N) and divide by gravity (9.8)

​Impulse

​Conservation of Momentum

​

• The total momentum of a system of objects must remain constant, unless outside forces act upon the system.

• Momentum cannot be created nor destroyed.

• ​Momentum can be transferred from one object to another

​Types of Collisions

​Elastic Collisions- Collisions where the objects bouce off each other. Objects have their own masses and velocities.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Inelastic Collisions- Collisions where objects collide and get stuck together. Objects that get stuck move as one after the collision. The masses are combined for these objects.

​Equations for Conservation of Momentum

​Elastic Collision

​m_Av_Ai + m_Bv_Bi = m_Av_Af + m_Bv_Bf

​Inelastic Collision

m_Av_Ai + m_Bv_Bi = (m_A + m_B) x v_f

​