Core - Physics

Chapter 9

Linear Momentum, Impulse and Collisions

9.1 : Linear Momentum

9.1 : Linear Momentum

The term momentum is used in various ways in everyday language, most of which are consistent with the precise scientific definition. Generally, momentum ...

9.2 : Force and Momentum

9.2 : Force and Momentum

Force and momentum are intimately related. Force acting over time can change momentum, and Newton's second law of motion can be stated in its most ...

9.3 : Impulse

According to Newton’s second law of motion, the rate of change of the momentum of an object is the net external force acting on it. The total change ...

9.4 : Impulse-Momentum Theorem

9.4 : Impulse-Momentum Theorem

The total change in the motion of an object is proportional to the total force vector acting on it and the time over which it acts. This product is called ...

9.5 : Conservation of Momentum: Introduction

9.5 : Conservation of Momentum: Introduction

The total momentum of a system consisting of N interacting objects is constant in time or is conserved. A system must meet two requirements for its ...

9.6 : Conservation of Momentum: Problem Solving

9.6 : Conservation of Momentum: Problem Solving

Solving problems using the conservation of momentum requires four basic steps: Identify a closed system, where the total mass is constant, and no net ...

9.7 : Types Of Collisions - I

9.7 : Types Of Collisions - I

When two objects come in direct contact with each other, it is called a collision. During a collision, two or more objects exert forces on each other in a ...

9.8 : Types of Collisions - II

9.8 : Types of Collisions - II

When two or more objects collide with each other, they can stick together to form one single composite object (after collision). The total mass of the ...

9.9 : Elastic Collisions: Introduction

9.9 : Elastic Collisions: Introduction

An elastic collision is one that conserves both internal kinetic energy and momentum. Internal kinetic energy is the sum of the kinetic energies of the ...

9.10 : Elastic Collisions: Case Study

9.10 : Elastic Collisions: Case Study

Elastic collision of a system demands conservation of both momentum and kinetic energy. To solve problems involving one-dimensional elastic collisions ...

9.11 : Collisions in Multiple Dimensions: Introduction

9.11 : Collisions in Multiple Dimensions: Introduction

It is far more common for collisions to occur in two dimensions; that is, the initial velocity vectors are neither parallel nor antiparallel to each ...

9.12 : Collisions in Multiple Dimensions: Problem Solving

9.12 : Collisions in Multiple Dimensions: Problem Solving

In multiple dimensions, the conservation of momentum applies in each direction independently. Hence, to solve collisions in multiple dimensions, we should ...

9.13 : Center of Mass: Introduction

9.13 : Center of Mass: Introduction

Any object that obeys Newton's second law of motion is made up of a large number of infinitesimally small particles. Objects in motion can be as ...

9.14 : Significance of Center of Mass

9.14 : Significance of Center of Mass

The center of mass of an object is defined as the mass-weighted average position of all the particles that comprise the object. The significance of the ...

9.15 : Gravitational Potential Energy for Extended Objects

9.15 : Gravitational Potential Energy for Extended Objects

Consider a system comprising several point masses. The coordinates of the center of mass for this system can be expressed as the summation of the product ...

9.16 : Rocket Propulsion in Empty Space - I

9.16 : Rocket Propulsion in Empty Space - I

The driving force for the motion of any vehicle is friction, but in the case of rocket propulsion in space, the friction force is not present. The motion ...

9.17 : Rocket Propulsion In Empty Space - II

9.17 : Rocket Propulsion In Empty Space - II

The motion of a rocket is governed by the conservation of momentum principle. A rocket's momentum changes by the same amount (with the opposite sign) ...

9.18 : Rocket Propulsion in Gravitational Field - I

9.18 : Rocket Propulsion in Gravitational Field - I

Rockets range in size from small fireworks that ordinary people use to the enormous Saturn V that once propelled massive payloads toward the Moon. The ...

9.19 : Rocket Propulsion in Gravitational Field - II

9.19 : Rocket Propulsion in Gravitational Field - II

A rocket's velocity in the presence of a gravitational field is decreased by the amount of force exerted by Earth's gravitational field, which ...

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