13. Conservation of Momentum

Question 1

What is the equation for momentum?

Answer 1

p = mv

p = momentum (kg m/s)
m = mass (kg)
v = velocity (m/s)

Question 2

What is the principle of linear momentum?

Answer 2

Assuming no external forces act, linear momentum is always conserved so the momentum before a collision equals the momentum after the collision

Question 3

What is an elastic collision?

Answer 3

A collision where momentum and kinetic energy is conserved (no energy is dissipated)

Question 4

What is an inelastic collision?

Answer 4

A collision where momentum is conserved but some of the kinetic energy is converted into other forms during the collision