Chapter 6

Momentum and Impulse

GOALS
When you have mastered the contents of this chapter, you will be able to achieve the
following goals:

Definitions
Define each of the following terms, and use it in an operational definition:
impulse elastic collision
impulsive force inelastic collision
momentum rocket propulsion

Impulse Problems
Use the relationship between impulse and change in momentum to solve problems.

Conservation of Momentum
Explain the principle of conservation of momentum.

Collision Problems
State the difference in conditions between an elastic impact and an inelastic impact,
and use both kinds of conditions to solve problems.

Momentum and Energy Problems

Apply the principles of conservation of momentum and conservation of energy to
solve problems.

PREREQUISITES
Before beginning this chapter you should have achieved the goals of Chapter 3,
Kinematics, Chapter 4, Forces and Newton's Laws, and Chapter 5, Energy.

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 Chapter 6
Momentum and Impulse
OVERVIEW
After studying and using the conservation of energy principle in solving mechanical
problems, you can appreciate the advantages of finding conservation principles. Like
the conservation of energy, the quantity called momentum is also conserved in active
systems. The application of the conservation of momentum principle is helpful in
considering a host of mechanical problems; e.g., impact and collisions between large
and/or small physical objects.

SUGGESTED STUDY PROCEDURE

When you begin to study this chapter, carefully read the following Chapter Goals:
Definitions, Impulse Problems, Conservation of Momentum, Collision Problems, and
Momentum and Energy Problems. A more complete discussion of each of the
Definitions terms is found in the next section of the Study Guide. Next, read text
sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, and 6.6. As you read, take careful note of the fact that
momentum is a Vector quantity. This is illustrated by the vector nature of equation (6.2)
and in example 4. Also, notice that in considering simple collisions between two objects,
that although the momentum is always conserved, energy may not be conserved. This
fact is illustrated in section 6.4 and by the example at the end of the section. Also
remember that the answers to questions asked in the text reading are answered in
section 3 of this Study Guide.
Next, read the Chapter Summary and complete Summary Exercises 1-14. Then
complete Algorithmic Problems 1-6. Then complete Problems and Exercises 1, 2, 4, 6, 9,
and 10. For additional practice, more example problems follow in this Study Guide
chapter. Finally, attempt the Practice Test included in the Study Guide . If you have
difficulties, please refer to the particular section of the text for additional practice. This
study procedure is outlined below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter Goals Suggested Summary Algorithmic Exercises
Text Readings Exercises Problems & Problems
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Definitions 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 1-5
6.4, 6.6
Impulse
Problems 6.2 6, 7 1, 2, 4 1, 2
Conservation 6.3 8, 9 3, 5
of Momentum
Collision 6.4 10, 11 3,5 4,6
Problems
Momentum and 6.4 12-14 6 9,10
Energy Problems

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DEFINITIONS
IMPULSE
Product of the net force and the time interval over which it acts is called the impulse of
the force.
Note that the impulse of a force is a vector quantity that can be calculated from two
measured variables, the force and the time.

IMPULSIVE FORCE is usually thought of as a force which lasts a short time but
reaches a large value (N).

MOMENTUM
Product of the mass of a body and its velocity, a vector property whose direction is the
same as the direction of the velocity.
Note that momentum, like energy and impulse, is a derived quantity that can be
calculated from the measured quantities of mass and velocity.

ELASTIC COLLISION
Both momentum and kinetic energy of bodies involved in a collision are the same
before and after impact.
In most collisions we see in everyday life there is some loss of energy, but if the
energy loss is small, then we see a good approximation of an elastic collision. Perhaps
the best example is a collision between two steel ball bearings.

INELASTIC COLLISION
Bodies stick together during impact; momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not
conserved.
Most collisions we see such as between participants in sporting events, or between
automobiles, fall into this category. Part of the energy is used to change the shape of the
participant or the automobile.

ROCKET PROPULSION
Practical example of conservation of momentum.
A small amount of fuel is ejected at very high velocity, so the large rocket moves
forward in a manner that the total momentum of the system of rocket and fuel remains
constant.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS FOUND IN THE TEXT

SECTION 6.1 Introduction
The word momentum is found in many different contexts in daily living. Please
listen for the use of this word outside of physics and compare its meanings and
connotations with those you learn in physics.

SECTION 6.2 Momentum and Impulse

Most examples of the forces we exert on objects in our surroundings are impulsive
forces: we push open a door, we slide a box, we pedal a bicycle with a series of
impulsive forces.

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EXAMPLES
IMPULSE PROBLEMS
1. A 2000 kg automobile was moving with a constant velocity to the East at 12 m/s.
It was struck by a tornado and 7.0 seconds later was headed northeast at 40
m/s.(a) What was the impulse that acted on the automobile? (b) What was the
net force exerted by the tornado?
What Data Are Given?
Mass of automobile = 2000 kg
Initial velocity = 12 m/s east
Final velocity = 40 m/s northeast
Time elapsed = 7.0 seconds
What Data Are Implied?
In order to calculate the net force you can assume the force exerted by the
tornado was a constant lasting for 7 seconds.
What Physics Principles Are Involved?
You must use two concepts, the definition of impulse and the relationship
between impulse and change in momentum.
What Equations Are to be Used?
Impulse = (Force) (time) (1)
Impulse = change in momentum = Δp (6.2)

Let x be the east direction, then y stands for north

Initial momentum = pi = mvi in the x direction
Final momentum = Pf = mvi in the northeast direction
Change in momentum = mvf - mvi
This is a vector equation. Now let us convert this to equations for the x and y
components of the momenta using θ as the angle between the final and initial
momenta.
change in x component of momentum = ΔPx = mvf cos θ - mvi
change in y component of momentum = ΔPy = mvf sin θ - 0
We can now use Equation 6.2 to find the impulse.
x - component of the impulse = ΔPx = mvf cos θ - mvi (2)
y - component of the impulse = ΔPy = mvf sin θ (3)
The angle φ the impulse makes with the x - direction (east) is given by
tanφ = Py/Px = mvf sinθ / (mvf cos θ - mvi) (4)
The force exerted by the tornado = impulse/time
Numerical Solutions
x - component of impulse = (1.0x103 kg)(40m/s)sin45ø = 5.7x104 kgm/s
y - component of impulse = (2.0x103 kg)(40m/s)cos45ø - (2.0x103)(12m/s)
= 3.3 x104 kgm/s
φ = arctan 3.3 x 10 /5.7 x 104 = 30ø north of east
4

Magnitude of the total impulse = SQR RT[(5.7 x 104)2 + (3.3 x 104)2]

= 6.6 x 104 kgm/s
Net force = impulse/time = 6.6 x 104/7.0 = 9.4 x 103 N at 30ø north of east

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 Thinking About the Answers
You may notice that the algebraic form of the answers is simplified because
the x-direction was chosen to be in the direction of the initial momentum, so the
y component of momentum was initially zero. This is a good strategy to follow in
solving problems that involve vectors. If you are free to choose an arbitrary
coordinate system choose one that makes the algebraic manipulations in the
problem easier. Note also that the impulse is not in the direction of the final
momentum. Rather the impulse is in the direction of the CHANGE IN
MOMENTUM. Beware of the vector properties of both impulse and momentum!
Many physics students have missed exam equations because they have added or
subtracted momenta as if they were scalars.

COLLISION PROBLEMS
2. A 104 kg tight end has caught a short pass from the quarterback and heads for the
end zone at a speed of 8.9 m/s at an angle of 75ø with the yard lines. A small
defensive back (77 kg) running parallel to the yard line at a speed of 9.6 m/s
dives through the air, collides with the tight end, and holds on to him for dear
life. What is the final momentum of the two entangled football players?
What Data Are Given?
Let us take the tight end to be subscript 1; ml = 104 kg initial vl = 8.9 m/s 275ø
defensive back, subscript 2; m2 = 77 kg; v2 = 9.6 m/s 20ø
What Data Are Implied?
The problem does not give the exact direction of the motion of the two players with
respect to each other. Let us assume the tight end is trying to avoid the defensive
player so they are both running toward the same sideline. Then a top view of the
problem may be drawn as follows:

What Physics Principles Are Involved?

We can solve this problem using the conservation of momentum.
What Equations Are to be Used?
We can use the equation that applies to the special case of when the two colliding
objects stick together.
m1v1 + m2v2 = (m1 + m2)vf (6.15)
Algebraic Solutions
In component form, picking the v2 direction as the x - direction; and θ as the angle
between v1 and v2,
m1v1 cos θ + m2v2 = (m1 + m2) vfx = Pfx (5)
m1v1 sin θ = (m1 + m2)vfy (6)

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 The magnitude and direction of the final momentum are given by
Pf = SQR RT[Pfx2 + Pfy2] = SQR RT[(m1v1 cos θ + m2v2)2 + (m1v1 sin θ)2]
Numerical Solution
Pfx = (104 kg)(8.9 m/s) cos 75ø + (77 kg)(9.6 m/s) = 9.8 x 102 kgm/s
Pfy = (104 kg)(8.9 m/s) sin 75ø = 8.9 x 102 kgm/s
Pf = 1.3 x 103 kgm/sec; f = 42ø
Thinking About the Answer
The final magnitude is greater than the initial momentum of either player. The final
direction is more towards the sidelines than the original direction of the tight end
but more towards the end zone than the original direction of the defensive back. All
of these features of the answer fit our observations of such collisions on a football
field.

MOMENTUM AND ENERGY PROBLEMS

3. In the preceding problem, what fraction of the initial energy was lost in the
collision? What happened to that energy?
What Data Are Given?
The initial masses and velocities and the final mass.
What Data Are Implied?
The fact that the two players stick together after the collision makes it a
completely inelastic collision.
What Physics Principles Are Involved?
We know the total momentum is conserved so the final kinetic energy can be
calculated and then the fractional energy lost can be computed.
fractional energy loss = (initial energy - final energy)/initial energy
What Equations Are to be Used?
We can combine the equations from the previous problem with an equation to
calculate the loss in kinetic energy.
(½) m1v12 + (½) m2v22 – (½) (m1 + m2)v2f = loss in KE (6.16)
Algebraic Solution
Fraction loss of kinetic energy =
[(½) m1v12 + (½) m2v22 – (½) (m1 + m2)v2f]/( (½) m1v12 + (½) m2v22)
m1v1 cos θ + m2v2 = (m1 + m2) vfx = Pfx (5)
m1v1 sin θ = (m1 + m2)vfy (6)
Final kinetic energy = Pf2 /2(m1 + m2)
= [(m1v1 cosθ + m2v2)2 + (m1v1 sinθ)2]/2(m1 + m2) (7)
This equation (7) is derived from the relationships that the final momentum Pf is
given by (m1 + m2)vf and the final kinetic energy is given by (½)(m1 + m2)vf2, so
(½)(m1 + m2)vf2 = KEf
= Pf2/2(m1 + m2) = (m1 + m2)2 vf2/2(m1 + m2)
Numerical Solution
Initial kinetic energy of the tight end = 1/2(104 kg)(8.9 m/s)2 = 4.1 x 103 J.
Initial kinetic energy of the defensive back = 1/2(77 kg)(9.6 m/s)2= 3.5 x 103 J
Total initial kinetic energy = 7.6 x 103 J.
Final kinetic energy = Pf2 / 2(m1 + m2)
= (1.3 x 103 kg)2 / 2(104 + 77)kg = 4.7 x 103 J
Fractional kinetic energy loss = (7.6 x 103 - 4.7 x 103) / 7.6 x 103 = 0.38

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Thinking About the Answer
So 38% of the initial kinetic energy is lost in this collision. This energy is used to
change the shape of the players' bodies, uniforms and padding. It may even
produce changes in the bodies of the players to cause bruises and muscular aches
and pains.
4. What are the impulses that act on the two players in the collision discussed in
problem 2?
What Data Are Given?
Same as 2 above.
What Data Are Implied?
Changes in momentum result from the impulse of the collision.
What Physics Principles Are Involved?
The change in momentum is equal to the impulse acting on the system. Newton's
Third Law of Action - reaction pairs – can also be used to determine the impulse on
the tight end after we have calculated the impulse on the defensive player, or vice
versa. The principle of superposition can also be used.
What Equations Are to be Used?
Impulse = change in momentum (6.2)
Final momentum of two players = sum of individual player's final momentum
(superposition)
Algebraic Solution
Let us pick the defensive player and calculate his change in momentum because of
the collision. His final momentum is a fraction m2/m1 + m2 of the total final
momentum,
P2f = m2Pf / (m1 + m2) (8)
His initial momentum was P2i = m2v2 and was chosen to be the x-direction.
Impulse = final momentum - initial momentum
= P2f - P2i = [m2 / (m1 + m2)]Pf - m2v2
Numerical Solutions
From the numerical answer to problem (2) above:
P2f = [77kg (1.3 x 103) /(104 kg + 77 kg)] kgm/s at 42ø
P2f = 5.5 x 102 kgm/s at 42ø
= { 4.1 x 102 kgm/s in the x-direction
= { 3.7 x 102 kgm/s in the y-direction
P2i = (77 kg)(9.6 m/s) = 7.4 x 102 kgm/s in the x -direction
change in momentum = 4.1 x 102 - 7.4 x 102 kgm/s in the x -direction
3.7 x 102 - 0 in the y-direction
= { -3.3 x 102 kgm/s in the x-direction
{ 3.7 x 102 kgm/s in the y-direction
So ΔP = SQR RT[(-3.3 x 102)2 + 3.7 x 102)2] = 5.0 x 102
kgm/s
The angle of ΔP is arctan(3.7 x 102/-3.3 x 102) = 132ø
The impulse on the defensive back is 5.0 x 102 kgm/s at
132ø
The impulse on the tight end is 5.0 x 102 kgm/s at -48ø

Thinking About the Answer

Notice that this impulse is five times that needed for a fatality from a head injury as
given in example 2 in section 6.2.

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63
PRACTICE TEST
1. A small foreign car (mass = 500 kilograms) is traveling at 5.0 m/sec East when it
makes a head-on collision with a brick wall. Following the initial impact, the car
bounces straight back away from the wall with a velocity of 2.0 m/sec.

________(a) Find the initial momentum of the foreign car.

________(b) Calculate the final momentum of the car.
________(c) If the impact with the wall lasted .02 seconds, what was the average force
applied to the car during the impact?
________(d) Calculate the percentage of initial kinetic energy lost during the collision.

2. Consider the problem above for the case when the collision is perfectly elastic.
________(a) What would be the final velocity of the car?
________(b) Calculate the average force exerted on the car by the wall if the impact time
remained .02 seconds.
________(c) What percentage of the initial kinetic energy is lost during the elastic
collision?

ANSWERS:
1. 2500 kgm/s, 1000 kgm/sec, 1.8 x 105N, west, 84% lost
2. 5 m/s, 2.5 x 105 N, 0%

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