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How can knowledge of forces and momentum be used to predict the behaviour of interacting bodies?
How can knowledge of forces and momentum be used to predict the behaviour of interacting bodies?
Newton’s Second Law and Momentum are connected through: F=ΔpΔt. This shows how a force causes a change in momentum over time (impulse).
In interactions, such as collisions or explosions, we apply the principle of conservation of momentum:
∑pbefore=∑pafter. This allows us to predict velocities or directions of motion after interaction, assuming no external net force. For example, predicting the final velocities of two colliding carts, Analyzing how a rocket gains velocity as gases are expelled, understanding safety features like airbags (which increase collision time, reducing force via impulse).Elastic collisions conserve both momentum and kinetic energy.
Inelastic collisions conserve only momentum (some energy is lost or transformed).
For explosions, momentum is conserved in opposite directions (action-reaction).
Understandings
Understandings
that linear momentum remains constant unless the system is acted upon by a resultant external force
that a resultant external force applied to a system constitutes an impulse J where F is the average resultant force and t is the time of contact
that the applied external impulse equals the change in momentum of the system
that Newton's second law in the form F = ma assumes mass is constant whereas F = pt allows for situations where mass is changing
the elastic and inelastic collisions of two bodies
explosions
energy considerations in elastic collisions, inelastic collisions, and explosions
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