Introductory Classical Mechanics Videos

Chapter 4: Momentum & Collisions

This chapter examines the quantity of linear momentum and its change through applied impulse (force over time); it also examines momentum conservation and its application to systems, and the combined use of momentum and energy to characterize sudden interactions collisions as elastic, inelastic, or superelastic.

Concept Videos

4.1C: Momentum and Impulse

This concept video introduces the concepts of momentum and a vector quantity of motion, and impulse, the change of momentum equal to force acting over time, highlighting similarities and differences with the work-energy theorem.

4.2C: Conservation of Momentum

This concept video introduces the idea of conservation of momentum for systems in the absence of net external forces, and demonstrates an approach to solving for the initial and final state of an interacting system when momentum is conserved.

4.3C: Collisions

This concept video explores collisions, interactions between objects that can be approached within the context of conservation of momentum. Categories of collisions based on the conservation (elastic), loss (inelastic) or gain (superelastic) of energy are examined in both 1D and 2D, as are collisions with fixed surfaces in which momentum is not conserved.

4.4C: Center of Mass Position and Motion

This concept video introduces the concept of center of mass and how to calculate it for both discrete and continuous systems. It also examines the center of mass velocity which acts like a point mass under external forces, and the concept of balance when the center of mass is above or below a pivot point.

4.5C: Momentum Transfer

This concept video examines momentum transfer, when momentum is exchanged between components of a system through internal forces. Implications in force-carrying particles and wind-powered sailboats are explored.

Problem Solving Videos

4.1P: Using Momentum Conservation and Impulse

This problem solving video demonstrates how to use the concepts of momentum conservation and impulse to solve for the motions of interacting systems in three worked examples.

Notes

4.2P: 1D Elastic and Inelastic Collisions

This problem solving video focuses on elastic and inelastic collisions in 1D systems, showing how to use momentum and energy to compare the initial and final states of the components of the system.

Notes

4.3P: 2D Collisions

This problem solving video shows how to approach 2D collisions using two dimensions of momentum and scalar energy, using the Geiger-Marsden experiment and trick pool shots as examples.

Notes

4.4P: Applications of Momentum Transfer

This problem solving video demonstrates applications of momentum transfer as a motive force.

Notes

4.5P: Rocket Motion

This problem solving video demonstrates how the propulsion of rockets is driven by momentum conservation, and illustrates how to compute rocket thrust force, lift a rocket from the surface of the Earth, and compute its speed after expending a fraction of its fuel.

Notes

Worksheets

Worksheet 4.1: Momentum & Impulse

This worksheet focuses on computing momentum and impulse, the latter in both 1D and 2D motions. Match to videos 4.1C and 4.1P.

Worksheet 4.2: Momentum Conservation & Collisions

This worksheet focuses on the application of conservation of momentum in a system and the application of momentum and energy tables for collisions. Topics include: momentum conservation in 1D and 2D, and 1D collisions using momentum and kinetic energy. Match to videos 4.2C-4.3C and 4.2P.

Worksheet 4.3: 2D Collisions & Momentum Transfer

This worksheet expands out to 2D collisions from the perspective of momentum conservation, and momentum transfer within a system. Match to videos 4.5C and 4.3P-4.5P.

Introductory Classical Mechanics Videos were created by Adam Burgasser and the UCSD Educational Technology Services (ETS)

This material is released under the CC-BY-NC-SA license, which allows re-users to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator. If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms.

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