Key Physics Terms Conservation of Momentum in 2D • Vector: A quantity that represents magnitude (size) and direction. It is usually represented with an arrow to indicate A the direction; arrow may be drawn to scale. Ball a strikes • Vector Component: The perpendicular parts into which a A motionless ball B. B vector can be separated and that act in different directions After the collision from the vector. they move off as • Resultant: The result of adding two or more vectors; B shown. vector sum. • Vector Addition: The process of combining vectors; added tip to tail. Note how momentum is conserved. In the x-direction, the • Force: A vector quantity that tends to accelerate an object; momenta add up to the original momentum before the a push or a pull. collision. In the y-direction, the momenta cancel out since • Velocity: The distance an object travels per unit of time there was no momentum in that direction initially. including its direction of motion. Elastic vs. Inelastic Collisions • Momentum: A vector quantity that is the product of mass and velocity of an item. Elastic Collisions: • Impulse: A change in momentum. The product of force • Momentum is conserved. and the time during which the force acts. • The objects colliding aren’t deformed or smashed. • Conservation of Momentum: The momentum of a • Thus no kinetic energy is lost; kinetic energy is conserved. system will remain constant. Momentum isn’t created or • Ex: billiard ball collisions destroyed unless an outside force is acting on the system. • Elastic Collision: A collision where no kinetic energy is Inelastic Collisions lost, momentum is still conserved; there is no deformation • Momentum is still conserved. of the objects. • Kinetic energy is lost. • Inelastic Collision: A collision where kinetic energy is lost • The energy may be transformed into sound, deformation of due to heat, deformation, or other methods. However, materials, flying debris, etc. momentum is still conserved for the system. • Often objects interlock or stick together. • Objects are also often deformed or crunched. Variables Used • Ex: car crash • t = time Momentum Problem Solving Tips • v = velocity • a = acceleration These tips will make it easier to solve any physics problems: • F = force • Thoroughly read the entire problem. • Δ = change in • Draw a diagram if needed. Identify all given information. • θ = angle Direction is especially important since momentum is a • m = mass vector quantity. Be sure to make diagrams or calculations • P = momentum with direction in mind. • J = impulse • Identify the quantity to be found. • KE = kinetic energy • Select appropriate formula(s) that incorporate what you know and what you want to find. Key Formulas • Convert units if needed. Use units throughout your • a = Δv / Δt = (vf - vi) / t calculations. • Pythagorean Theorem: c2 = a2 + b2 • Do any mathematical calculations carefully. • Sin θ = opp /hyp Typical Momentum/Impulse Problem • Cos θ = adj /hyp • Tan θ = opp / adj Example: During a car accident, a 1500 kg car may be • Fnet = ma brought to a halt in .2 s. Assuming the car was initially • P = mv moving at 20 m/s, how much force was exerted on the car to • F Δt = mΔv stop it? • J = Ft • KE = ½ mv2 Known: m = 1500kg Δt = .2s vi = 20 m/s vf = 0 m/s, stopped Key Metric Units • Velocity: m/s Unknown: F = ? N • Time: seconds, s • Force: Newtons, N Define: F Δt = mΔv Note: vf - vi = Δv • Mass: kilograms, kg F = mΔv/ Δt • Momentum and/or Impulse: kg•m/s Output: F = (1500 kg)(-20 m/s) /.2 s 3 Types of Interactions • Explosion: One object breaking into more objects. F=-150,000 N 0=mv+mv+… • Hit and stick: One object striking and joining to another. Substantiate: Units are correct, sig fig correct, magnitude is m1v1+m2v2=(m1+m2)v3 reasonable • Hit and rebound: one object striking and bouncing off another. The negative sign indicates the force opposes the forward m1v1+m2v2=m1v3+m2v4 motion of the car, thus slowing it.
How to Use This Cheat Sheet: These are the keys related this topic. Try to read through it carefully twice then write it out on a blank sheet of paper. Review it again before the exams.