5.3.6

Force and Momentum Change

Test yourself

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:

Illustrative background for Acceleration and momentumIllustrative background for Acceleration and momentum ?? "content

Acceleration and momentum

  • acceleration = change in velocity ÷ time taken.
    • a = Δv ÷ t.
Illustrative background for Force and accelerationIllustrative background for Force and acceleration ?? "content

Force and acceleration

  • Force = mass × acceleration.
    • F = m x a.
Illustrative background for Force = rate of change of momentumIllustrative background for Force = rate of change of momentum ?? "content

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

The momentum of an object is its mass multiplied by its velocity.

Illustrative background for Equation for momentumIllustrative background for Equation for momentum ?? "content

Equation for momentum

  • The equation for calculating momentum is:
    • p=mvp = mv
    • Momentum = mass × velocity
Illustrative background for UnitsIllustrative background for Units ?? "content

Units

  • Momentum is measured in kg m/s.
  • Velocity is measured in m/s.
  • Mass is measured in kg.
Illustrative background for Conservation of momentumIllustrative background for Conservation of momentum ?? "content

Conservation of momentum

  • The law of conservation of momentum says that momentum cannot be created or destroyed.
  • If two objects collide, the sum of momentum before the collision is equal to the sum of momentum after the collision.
Illustrative background for Conservation of momentum equationIllustrative background for Conservation of momentum equation ?? "content

Conservation of momentum equation

  • The equation for the conservation of momentum is:
    • m1u1+m2u2=m1v1+m2v2m_1u_1 + m_2u_2 = m_1v_1 + m_2v_2
    • (Mass 1 × initial velocity 1) + (mass 2 × initial velocity 2) = (mass 1 × final velocity 1) + (mass 2 × final velocity 2)
  • In other words, the sum of the momentums of the two objects that are colliding will remain the same after they have collided.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson