Law of Conservation of Momentum
The Law of Conservation for Momentum Momentum is always conserved in a collision. It is never created or destroyed! (Just like Energy) It can only go back and forth between objects. INDESTRUCTABLE
Conceptual example Dodgeball Game: The ball is thrown at someone. Dodgeball is moving (has momentum), the person is not (no momentum). The dodgeball has all the momentum until it hits the person. (collision) Then, it transfers some of its momentum to the person, and the dodgeball has some left over.
BeforeAfter p = a lotp = 0p = a little p = a little X - + The TOTAL momentum is the same on both sides!
Elastic Collisions Momentum can only be transferred through collisions. Collisions where objects bounce off each other are called elastic collisions. Examples: dodgeball, pool, marbles, golf.
Elastic Collision A 2 kg dodgeball was going +10 m/s before it hit someone (who was standing still). The guy’s head has mass of 5 kg. After they collide, the dodgeball has a velocity of -3m/s. What is the speed of the guy’s head?
Practice Page 219; 1a, 2a, 3a ONLY Set up each problem using the chart from your notes.
Inelastic Collisions When two objects collide and become “stuck together” momentum is still transferred, but the collision is called inelastic. Examples: ballistics (bullets), football tackles, car collisions
Bullet Example A bullet of mass 0.1 kg is fired at a speed of 300 m/s into a block of wood with mass 10 kg. The bullet becomes stuck in the block. What is the velocity of the block with the bullet inside after the collision?
Practice Page 214; 1-3 Set up each problem using the chart from your notes.