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AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
Unit 4: Linear Momentum
4.2 Conservation of Momentum
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Cards (42)
What is the definition of linear momentum?
Mass times velocity
The formula for linear momentum is
p = mv
Linear momentum describes an object's resistance to changes in its motion.
True
What does the Law of Conservation of Momentum state?
Total momentum remains constant
The mathematical expression for the Law of Conservation of Momentum is
Σp_initial = Σp_final
How is momentum conserved in a closed system?
Total momentum remains constant
What is a key characteristic of an elastic collision?
Kinetic energy is conserved
Linear momentum is calculated as the product of mass and
velocity
.
True
What are the units of linear momentum?
kg·m/s
What does the Law of Conservation of Momentum state in a closed system?
Total momentum remains constant
The Law of Conservation of Momentum can be expressed mathematically as Σp_initial = Σp_
final
Σp_initial
represents the sum of the initial momenta in a system.
True
Arrange the time phases and their corresponding total momentum:
1️⃣ Before Interaction - Σp_initial
2️⃣ After Interaction - Σp_final
In an elastic collision, the
total momentum
before the collision equals the total momentum after the collision.
True
What is conserved in an inelastic collision but not kinetic energy?
Momentum
In an inelastic collision, the kinetic energy is not
conserved
Match the collision type with its properties:
Elastic ↔️ Momentum and kinetic energy conserved
Inelastic ↔️ Only momentum conserved
In what type of collision is kinetic energy conserved?
Elastic
The equation m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = m₁v₁' + m₂v₂'</latex> applies to inelastic collisions.
False
Steps to solve the inelastic collision example
1️⃣ Write the momentum conservation equation
2️⃣ Substitute the given values
3️⃣ Solve for the final velocity
The Law of Conservation of Momentum applies unless external forces act on the system.
True
In a closed system, the sum of initial momenta equals the sum of final momenta.
True
In an elastic collision, the momentum conservation equation is
m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v1' + m2v2'
The Law of Conservation of Momentum states that in a closed system, Σp_initial =
Σp_final
What happens to the sum of momenta when two balls collide in a closed system with no external forces?
It remains constant
In a closed system, the total momentum remains constant before and after an
interaction
What two quantities are conserved in an elastic collision?
Momentum and kinetic energy
A 3 kg ball moving at 6 m/s hits a stationary 2 kg ball, and they stick together after impact. What is the final velocity of the combined mass?
3.6 m/s
The Law of Conservation of Momentum can be used to solve both elastic and
inelastic
collision problems.
True
The key difference between elastic and inelastic collisions is whether kinetic energy is
conserved
What equation is used to find final velocities in an elastic collision?
m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = m₁v₁' + m₂v₂'
What equation is used to find the common final velocity in an inelastic collision?
m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = (m₁ + m₂)v_final
The momentum conservation equation for elastic collisions is
m
1
v
1
+
m₁v₁ +
m
1
v
1
+
m
2
v
2
=
m₂v₂ =
m
2
v
2
=
m
1
v
1
′
+
m₁v₁' +
m
1
v
1
′
+
m
2
v
2
′
m₂v₂'
m
2
v
2
′
True
What is the common final velocity of objects after an inelastic collision called?
v_final
For inelastic collisions, the momentum conservation equation is
m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = (m₁ + m₂)v_final
Steps to solve momentum conservation problems
1️⃣ Write the momentum conservation equation
2️⃣ Identify initial and final conditions
3️⃣ Substitute the given values
4️⃣ Solve for the unknown variable
The total momentum before a
collision
is equal to the total momentum after the collision.
True
Match the collision type with its properties:
Elastic ↔️ Momentum and kinetic energy conserved
Inelastic ↔️ Momentum conserved, kinetic energy lost
What do v₁' and v₂' represent in the elastic collision equation?
Final velocities
For inelastic collisions, the final velocity of both objects is the
same
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