Simply Physics — Linear Momentum
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Introduction

The Linear Momentum unit explores how motion is affected by forces during interactions, particularly collisions and explosions. Momentum is a vector quantity dependent on mass and velocity. Conservation of momentum in isolated systems is a powerful tool for analyzing dynamic events.

Linear Momentum: Measure of motion, defined as p = m·v.

Impulse: Product of force and the time it acts, equal to the change in momentum: J = F·Δt.

Impulse-Momentum Theorem: Impulse on an object equals its change in momentum: J = Δp.

Conservation of Linear Momentum: In a closed, isolated system, total momentum is conserved: Σpinitial = Σpfinal.

Linear Momentum Illustration
Impulse Diagram Example
Collision Example

Summary of Key Equations

1. p = m·v   (Linear Momentum)
2. J = F·Δt   (Impulse)
3. J = Δp   (Impulse-Momentum Theorem)
4. Σpinitial = Σpfinal   (Conservation of Momentum)

Other Resources