02.4 - Momentum and Impulse

Understandings:

• Newton’s second law expressed in terms of rate of change of momentum

• Impulse and force–time graphs

• Conservation of linear momentum

• Elastic collisions, inelastic collisions and explosions

Applications and skills:

• Applying conservation of momentum in simple isolated systems including (but not limited to) collisions, explosions, or water jets

• Using Newton’s second law quantitatively and qualitatively in cases where mass is not constant

• Sketching and interpreting force–time graphs

• Determining impulse in various contexts including (but not limited to) car safety and sports

• Qualitatively and quantitatively comparing situations involving elastic collisions, inelastic collisions and explosions

Guidance:

• Students should be aware that F = ma is equivalent of F=Δp/Δt only when mass is constant

• Solving simultaneous equations involving conservation of momentum and energy in collisions will not be required

• Calculations relating to collisions and explosions will be restricted to one-dimensional situations

• A comparison between energy involved in inelastic collisions (in which kinetic energy is not conserved) and the conservation of (total) energy should be made

Data booklet reference: