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AP Physics - Core Concept Cheat Sheet

08: Momentum and Collisions


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.

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