5.3.3

Momentum

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Momentum

The momentum of an object is its mass multiplied by its velocity (p = mv).

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Change in momentum

  • Change in momentum = force x time
  • Δp = F x t
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Conservation of momentum

  • The law of conservation of momentum says that momentum cannot be created or destroyed.
    • So, if two objects collide, the sum of momentum before collision = sum of momentum after the collision.
Illustrative background for Change in momentum = mv - muIllustrative background for Change in momentum = mv - mu ?? "content

Change in momentum = mv - mu

  • Change in momentum = mv - mu, where m is mass, u is the initial velocity of an object and v is the final velocity of an object.

Force and Momentum Change

When a force acts on an object that is moving, or able to move, a change in momentum happens. Force equals the rate of change of momentum. This can be shown by combining two equations:

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Acceleration and momentum

  • acceleration = change in velocity ÷ time taken.
    • a = Δv ÷ t.
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Force and acceleration

  • Force = mass × acceleration.
    • F = m x a.
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Force = rate of change of momentum

  • Combining the 2 equations we get F = m x Δv ÷ t.
  • F = m Δv ÷ t.
  • F = Δp ÷ t.
  • Force = change in momentum ÷ change in time.
  • In other words, force is equal to the rate of change of momentum.

Momentum and Safety

If an object which has a lot of momentum is made to stop suddenly, then a large force is required because of the change in momentum.

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Safety features

  • Cars have safety features such as seat belts, air bags and crumple zones that absorb the kinetic energy transferred by collisions.
    • These features reduce injuries to the people in the car by absorbing energy when they change shape.
    • They increase the time taken for the change in momentum to happen, reducing the forces involved.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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