Linear Momentum

ENG1081 Physics for Engineering

Momentum, P
Momentum =

From

= m

=
2

Momentum for a System of Particles

For a system of particles,

= Similarly, we can expand momentum for one particle to a system of particles

=

Impulse, J
Impulse is defined as the Change in Momentum = =

From

=
4

Conservation of Momentum
If no net external Force acts on a system, the total Linear Momentum of the system is Conserved Momentum at time ti = Momentum at time tf
1. Closed system 2. Isolated system

If Fnet = 0

Collision Types
Elastic Collision
Momentum is Conserved Kinetic Energy is Conserved

Inelastic Collision
Momentum is Conserved

Completely Inelastic Collision

Momentum is Conserved Colliding bodies move as one after collision
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Inelastic Collision
Some Kinetic Energy is lost as heat + sound

Conservation of momentum

1 1 + 2 2 = 1 1 + 2 2

Completely Inelastic Collision

+
Conservation of Momentum 1 1 = 1 + 2
Travelling together
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Stationary

Elastic Collision
Recall: Both Momentum and Kinetic Energy are Conserved in Elastic Collisions Stationary Target 1 1 = 1 1 + 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 = 1 1 + 2 2 2 2 2
Momentum Kinetic Energy
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Elastic Collision, stationary target

1
2

1 2 = 1 1 + 2
21 = 1 1 + 2
What if both the Projectile and the Target are Both Moving initially?
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