Momentum

[Momentum]

Topic Elements

Measurements and Standards
1-D Motion
Vectors
2-D Motion
Forces & Newton's Laws of Motion
Work & Energy
Momentum (& Conservation)
Rotational Motion
Thermodynamics
Vibrations & Waves
Sound
Electric Force & Fields
Capacitance &
Direct Current Circuits
Magnetism
Reflection & Refraction

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Linear momentum

When you say you have momentum, you are trying to describe objects in motion. And the definition of momentum is

p = mv

[Momentum] = [p] = kgm/s

Consider what happens when a golf ball is truck by a club. The ball is given a very large initial velocity by the collision; consquently, it is able to trave very far through the air. It experiences a great change in velocity and a correspondingly great acceleration. Furthermore, because the ball experiences a reaction force that is equal to and opposite the force on the ball. This reaction force produces a change in the velocity of the club

One of the main objectives is to help you undertand and analyze such events. As a first tep we shall introduce momentum. We often use the concept in describing objects in motion. For example, a very massive football player, is often said to have a great deal of momentum as he runs down the field. A much less massive player, such as a halfback, can have equal or greater momentum if he moves with a higher venlocity. This follows from the deifinition of momentum as the produt of mass and velocity

The concept of momentum leads us to another observation law: conservation of momentum. This is often applied to collisions and the such.

Impulse

Impulse by definition is:

J = F/\t = /\p

Conservation of Linear Momentum

p_i(total) = p_f(total)

Collisions [conservation of momentum]

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