S3 Ls Physics Unit I Mechanics Linear Momentum: Done by Ruslan Shallak

S3 LS
Physics
Unit I Mechanics
Chapter 2
Linear Momentum
Done by Ruslan Shallak
https://physika-lb.blogspot.com/
2021
Objectives
• Define the linear momentum of a particle and of a system of particles.

• Know the relation between the linear momentum of a system of
particles and that of its center of mass
• Know the expression for Newton’s second law in terms of linear
momentum.
• Define isolated system.
• Apply the conservation of linear momentum.
Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 1 of 34

2021
Topics
1. Notion of linear momentum
2. Linear momentum of a particle
3. Linear momentum of a system of particles
4. Newton's second law
5. The conservation of Linear momentum
6. Example of an elastic collision with collinear velocities

2021
1. Notion of linear 2. Linear momentum of 3. Linear momentum of 4. Newton's second law 5. The conservation of 6. Example of an elastic
momentum a particle a system of particles Linear momentum collision with collinear
velocities
Newton's cradle Cannon Recoil
What is the speed of the recoiled cannon?

How does it work ?
Boat stones puzzle
Billiard balls

How to move the boat?
Why does the first ball stop ? 2021
velocities
1. Notion of linear momentum

Case 1 Case 2
Speed 50 km/h Speed 50 km/h
Speed 100 km/h Speed 50 km/h

Where is the damage greater? Where is the damage greater?
We can conclude from above cases 1 and 2 that speed V and mass m play an essential role in motion
The quantity m𝑽 multiplication of mass byhttps://physika-lb.blogspot.com/
theDonevelocity Page motion)
is called linear momentum (quantity of
by Ruslan Shallak 4 of 34
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velocities
Remark: Air table

In laboratories, air tables are used in order to study the
motion of a body with no frictional forces.
The puck whose motion is to be studied is self carried as
it blows air from its bottom against the surface of the
table, by using a pump placed inside it. The pucks are
connected to a recording system. During their motion,
they leave regular traces of black points on a piece of
paper on which they move.
The time interval (in general denoted by “𝜏” can be 40
ms, 50 ms, 60ms … ) between two consecutive traces
remains constant during the experiment.
Tracing is produced by an electric spark between a sharp
edged rod placed at the bottom of the puck and the
recording paper. Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 5 of 34
2021
velocities
Experimental evidence
Consider two pucks (A) and (B), of respective

masses mA and mB (mA > mB), that may move
without friction on a horizontal table. Each puck
is surrounded by an elastic steel shock ring of
negligible mass.
The two pucks are connected by a massless and
inextensible taut thread thus compressing the
steel shock rings. The system (S) thus formed is
at rest.
We burn the thread; the shock rings stretch and
the pucks repel each other.
2021
velocities
• The system (S) thus formed of the two pucks and the shock rings is said to “explode”. The positions
of the center of mass of each puck are registered at successive instants separated by a constant time
interval.
Before
After
• The puck of smaller mass moves with a higher velocity. The products mAVA and mBVB are equal,
and since 𝑉 A and 𝑉 B are opposite and collinear, we deduce that:
mAVA = mBVB
mA𝑉 A = - mA𝑉 A
• The product of the mass of a body by the velocity of its center of mass plays a major role in
mechanics. Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 7 of 34
2021
velocities
Application 2.1:
For the previous experiment, we use two pucks (A) and (B), of respective masses mA =120 g and mB = 100 g,
that may move without friction on a horizontal table.
The positions of the center of mass of each puck are registered at successive instants separated by a constant
time interval 𝜏 = 50 ms. The figure below represents, on the axis x'x, the dot-prints of the positions of the centers
of masses GA and GB of the two pucks after the «explosion».
1) Using the figure above, show that, after explosion:

a- The motion of each puck is uniform;
b- The speeds of (A) and (B) are VA = 1 m/s and VB = 1.2 m/s respectively.
2) Compare: a- mAVA and mBVB b- mA𝑉A andhttps://physika-lb.blogspot.com/
mB𝑉B
2021
velocities
Answer

2021
P =mV velocities
2. Linear momentum of a particle

A particle A of mass m moves at instant t with a velocity V in a certain
frame.
Its linear momentum (quantity of motion), at this instant, is defined by the
vector P such that:
P =mV
P and V are vectors having the same line of action and same direction.
The magnitude of linear momentum of a particle of mass m with speed V is

P =mV
In S.I; m in kg and V in m/s so the unit of the magnitude of P is kg.m/s.
Note: Linear momentum is vector quantity P where P is magnitude of linear

momentum.
2021
P =mV velocities
Application 2.2:
Calculate the value of linear momentum of each vehicle. If
the masses of each car and the truck are 1 ton and 9 tons
respectively. Speed 50 km/h
Answer
Speed 100 km/h
Done by Ruslan Shallak Speed 50

Page km/h
11 of 34
2021
P =mV velocities
Application 2.3:
A particle of mass m = 200 g, released at t0 = 0 without initial velocity, falls
freely.
Determine its linear momentum at t = 3 s. Take g= 10 m/s2
Answer

2021
P =mV Psys= p = mivi velocities
3. Linear momentum of a system of particles

A system of particles is constituted of
particles A1 A2, . . . An , of masses m1, m2,...
mn and velocities v1, v2, ... vn respectively in
an (O, i, j, k) frame.
a) Definition
The linear momentum P of the system is the
sum of the linear momenta mivi of its
particles:
Psys= p= mivi
2021
P =mV Psys= p = mivi = PG velocities
b) Linear momentum of the center of mass of a system of particles

• The center of mass G (center of inertia or center of gravity) of a system of particles is defined,
relative to the origin O of the frame (O, i, j, k), by the relation:
m1𝑂𝐴1 + m2𝑂𝐴2 + ... + mn𝑂𝐴n
𝑂𝐺 =
m1 + m2 + ... + mn
(m1 + m2 + ... + mn) 𝑂𝐺 = m1𝑂𝐴1 + m2𝑂𝐴2 + ... + mn𝑂𝐴n

• Let m1 + m2 + ... + mn = M be the total mass of the system.
M𝑂𝐺 = m1𝑂𝐴1 + m2𝑂𝐴2 + ... + mn𝑂𝐴n
• Taking the derivative of both sides of the above relation with respect to time, we obtain:
𝑑M𝑂𝐺 𝑑
= (m1𝑂𝐴1 + m2𝑂𝐴2 + ... + mn𝑂𝐴n)
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
M𝑉 G = m1𝑉 1 + m2𝑉 2 + ... + mn𝑉 n
So PG= Psys
• The linear momentum of a system of particles of constant mass is equal to that of its center of
gravity G where the total mass is assumed to be concentrated.
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Application 2.4:
CRDP Physics book Ex 10 p: 43
In an inertial frame (𝑂, 𝑖 , 𝑗 , k ), the masses and coordinates of three particles A, B, and C are
given as functions of time t as follows:
𝑥 = 3𝑡 − 1 𝑥=2 𝑥 = −𝑡
𝑦 = −𝑡 2 + 4 y = 𝑡2 − 1 𝑦 = −𝑡 2 − 2
𝑨 ; 𝑩 ; and 𝑪 2 (SI units)
𝑧 = 2𝑡 2 z=𝑡−2 z = −𝑡 + 2
𝑀𝐴 = 1 𝑘𝑔 𝑀𝐵 = 3 𝑘𝑔 𝑀𝐶 = 2 𝑘𝑔
a- Determine the linear momentum of each particle.

b- Show that the linear momentum of the system (S), composed of the three particles, is
constant.
c- Find the coordinates of the center of mass G.
Page 15 of 34
d- Verify that the linear momentum of (S)https://physika-lb.blogspot.com/
is
Doneequal to that of G.
by Ruslan Shallak
2021
Answer

2021
momentum a particle a system of particles 𝑑𝑃 Linear momentum collision with collinear
F ext =
P =mV Psys= p = mivi = PG 𝑑𝑡 velocities
4. Newton's second law

The general expression of Newton's second law:
𝑑𝑃
= F ext
𝑑𝑡
The time derivative of the linear momentum of a system of particles, in

an inertial frame, is equal to the resultant of all external forces applied
on this system.

2021
F ext =
Application 2.5:
A solid of mass M = 5 kg can move on a trajectory situated in a horizontal plane. It starts
from rest at instant t0 =0 under the action of two forces:
𝐹 1 = 5𝑖+ 15𝑗 and 𝐹 2= 10𝑖 +10𝑗 (in S.I unit)
a) Determine, at any instant t, the linear momentum of the solid in the frame (O, 𝑖 ,𝑗).
b) Deduce the velocity of its center of inertia G, as a function of t.

2021
F ext =
Answer

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F ext =
• Note: (Important)
𝑑𝑃 Δ𝑃
F ext = ≈
𝑑𝑡 Δ𝑡
(≈ means approximately equal to, or almost equal to)
If:
• Δ𝑡 is very small e.g. Δ𝑡 =0.05 s
Or
• P = at + b Linear momentum is linear in time .

2021
F ext =
Application 2.6: P (kg.m/s)
A box, of mass m = 0.8 kg, is left to slide down a ramp

inclined by 30o with the horizontal. The document shows
12
the variation of its linear momentum relative to time.
Take g = 10N/kg.
1- Determine graphically, the magnitude of the net

force acting on the box. 0 t (s)
4
2- Prove that friction is not neglected and then
calculate its magnitude.
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F ext =
Answer

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F ext =
b) Theorem of the center of inertia

In an inertial frame, the sum of external forces applied on a system of
constant mass is equal to the product of the mass of this system by the
acceleration of its center of inertia.
F ext = M𝑎G
Note:
𝑑𝑃 𝑑𝑀𝑉 𝑑𝑉 𝑑𝑀
F ext = = =M +𝑉
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
for constant mass M
𝑑𝑉
F ext = M = M𝑎 G
𝑑𝑡 Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 23 of 34
2021
F ext =
𝑃i = 𝑃f
5. The conservation of Linear momentum

a) Isolated (or mechanically isolated) system
A system is said to be isolated if the sum of the external applied forces on the system is zero.
F ext = 0
b)Statement of the law of conservation of linear momentum
In the case of an isolated system:
F ext = 0
𝑑𝑃
But = F ext
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑃
Then =0
𝑑𝑡
So 𝑃 = constant at any time.
Therefore the law of conservation of linear momentum could be stated as follows:

The linear momentum of an isolated system remains constant as time varies.
2021
F ext =
𝑃i = 𝑃f
c) Application on conservation of Linear momentum

Recoil of a cannon
A cannon consists of two parts, the gun and the shell. The system (gun,
shell), initially at rest, is subjected to its weight and to the force due to the
support. The two forces cancel each other, and the system is isolated. Before
shooting, the system is at rest and its linear momentum is zero:
𝑃 = 0.
The sum of external forces remains zero and the system is always isolated.
Therefore, its linear momentum is conserved. Immediately after being fired,
the shell of mass m leaves the gun with a velocity v and the gun of mass M
recoils at a velocity V.
The linear momentum of the system is then:
P′ =mv +MV
P′ = P
mv +MV =0
𝑚
V=- v
𝑀
This relation shows that V and v are of opposite directions.
2021
F ext =
𝑃i = 𝑃f
d) Collisions and explosions

• Collisions are often observed, e.g between billiards balls
or two vehicles, ... Collisions usually last for a very short
time, during which external forces are neglected with
respect to the huge internal forces. Consequently, the
system of the colliding objects can be considered as
isolated.
• If the explosion of a solid, which is torn into pieces, lasts
only for a very short while, external forces are neglected
relative to the internal forces due to explosion. The solid
can be considered as isolated during explosion.
Therefore:
During collision (or explosion) external forces are
neglected with respect to impact forces (internal
forces). Then the system can be treated as an isolated
system. So, the linear momentum is conserved.
2021
F ext =
𝑃i = 𝑃f
e) Types of collisions
In general two types of collisions can be distinguished:
Elastic and non elastic.
• By definition, during an elastic collision, the kinetic energy of the system

composed of both bodies is conserved.
Eki = Ekf
• In the case of a non-elastic collision, a part of the kinetic energy of the

system converts into heat or deforms the shape of the system. The kinetic
energy of the system, in this case, is not conserved.
Eki ≠ Ekf
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F ext =
𝑃i = 𝑃f
Example for non-elastic collision

The ballistic pendulum is a practical device in which an
inelastic collision takes place. Until the advent of
modern instrumentation, the ballistic pendulum was
widely used to measure the speed of projectiles. A
projectile is fired into a suspended heavy wooden block.
The wooden block is initially stationary. Following the
collision the projectile becomes embedded in the block.
Some kinetic energy gets transformed into heat, sound,
and used to deform the block.
However, momentum must still be conserved.
Consequently, the block swings away at some speed.
After the collision, the block behaves as a pendulum in
which total mechanical energy is conserved. Because of
this we can use the maximum height of the swing to
determine the kinetic energy of the block after the
collision, then using conservation of momentum we can
find the initial speed of the projectile. https://physika-lb.blogspot.com/
2021
F ext =
𝑃i = 𝑃f
Application 2.7:
Suppose a 10 gram ball is fired into a 1 kg block which is part of a ballistic pendulum
apparatus. It swings to a height of 0.3 m. What is the initial speed of the ball?
Answer

2021
F ext =
P =mV 𝑑𝑡 𝑃i = 𝑃f velocities
6. Example of an elastic collision with collinear velocities

Consider the collision between solids of respective masses m1 and m2
and collinear velocities v1 and v2. Just after collision, the velocities of
both solids become v′1 and v′2 respectively. The conservation of linear
momentum of the system composed of both solids gives:
m1v1 + m2v2= m1v′1 + m2v′2
Since the velocities are collinear, this vector relation can be written in
algebraic form as follows:
m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v’1+ m2v’2 ... (1)
So m1 (v1 - v’1) = m2 (v’2 - v2) ... (2)
The collision is elastic and the kinetic energy of the system is
conserved, so:
1 1 1 1
m1v12 + m2v22 = m1v’12+ m2v’22
2 2 2 2
m1 (v12 - v’12) = m2 (v’22 - v22 )
So m1 (v1 - v’1) (v1 + v’1) = m2 (v’2 - v2) (v’ 2 + v2) … (3)
Done by Ruslan Shallak
Page 30 of 34
2021
F ext =
3 m1 (v1 − v’1) (v1 + v’1) m2 (v’2− v2) (v’2+ v2)

: =
2 m1 (v1 − v’1) m2 (v’2− v2)
v1 + v’1 = v’2 + v2
v1 - v2 = - v’1 + v’2 … (4)
Where m1v1 + m2v2 = m1v’ 1+ m2v’ 2 ... (1)
multiply (4) by m1
m1v1 - m1v2 = - m1v’1 + m1v’2 and add to (1)
So 2m1v1 + (m2 - m1)v2 = (m1+ m2)v’2
2m1 m2− m1
v’2 = v1 + v2
m1+ m2 m1+ m2
Substitute in (4) so
m1− m2 2m2
v’1 = v1 + v2
m1+ m2 m1+ m2
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F ext =
cases
• Case 1
If m1= m2, we get v’1 = v2 and v’2 = v1 , The bodies exchange their
velocities.
Proof:
m1− m2 2m2 0 2m2
v’1 = v + v= v + v=v
m1+ m2 1 m1+ m2 2 m1+ m2 1 2m2 2 2
2m1 m2− m1 2m1 0
v’2 = v1 + v2 = v1 + v2 = v1
m1+ m2 m1+ m2 2m1 m1+ m2
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F ext =
• Case 2
If the second body was initially at rest, then v2 = 0 So
m1− m2 2m1
v’1 = v and v’2 = v
m1+ m2 1 m1+ m2 1
If m1> m2
So two solids move in direction of v1
If m1< m2
So v’1 is opposite sign of v1 while v’2 have same sign as v1
If m1= m2
So v’1 = 0 (stops) and v’2 = v1 (v’2 have same sign as v1 )
2021
Collision Lab - Collisions | Momentum | Velocity - PhET Interactive
Simulations (colorado.edu)
Solve from CRDP Physics book page 43, 44 and 45

Exercises: 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13, 15 and 16.
Solve Physics official exam sessions

• 2007_2_ex1 Mechanical interaction
• 2012_2_ex1 Study of the motion of a skier
• 2015_1_ex1 Collision and interaction

2021

S3 Ls Physics Unit I Mechanics Linear Momentum: Done by Ruslan Shallak

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S3 LS

• Define the linear momentum of a particle and of a system of particles.

Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 1 of 34

Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 2 of 34

Newton's cradle Cannon Recoil

What is the speed of the recoiled cannon?

Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 3 of 34

1. Notion of linear momentum

Speed 50 km/h Speed 50 km/h

Speed 100 km/h Speed 50 km/h

Remark: Air table

Consider two pucks (A) and (B), of respective

1) Using the figure above, show that, after explosion:

Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 9 of 34

2. Linear momentum of a particle

The magnitude of linear momentum of a particle of mass m with speed V is

Note: Linear momentum is vector quantity P where P is magnitude of linear

Speed 100 km/h

Done by Ruslan Shallak Speed 50

Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 12 of 34

3. Linear momentum of a system of particles

b) Linear momentum of the center of mass of a system of particles

(m1 + m2 + ... + mn) 𝑂𝐺 = m1𝑂𝐴1 + m2𝑂𝐴2 + ... + mn𝑂𝐴n

a- Determine the linear momentum of each particle.

Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 16 of 34

4. Newton's second law

The time derivative of the linear momentum of a system of particles, in

Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 17 of 34

Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 18 of 34

Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 19 of 34

Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 20 of 34

Application 2.6: P (kg.m/s)

A box, of mass m = 0.8 kg, is left to slide down a ramp

1- Determine graphically, the magnitude of the net

Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 22 of 34

b) Theorem of the center of inertia

5. The conservation of Linear momentum

Therefore the law of conservation of linear momentum could be stated as follows:

c) Application on conservation of Linear momentum

d) Collisions and explosions

• By definition, during an elastic collision, the kinetic energy of the system

• In the case of a non-elastic collision, a part of the kinetic energy of the

Example for non-elastic collision

Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 29 of 34

6. Example of an elastic collision with collinear velocities

3 m1 (v1 − v’1) (v1 + v’1) m2 (v’2− v2) (v’2+ v2)

Solve from CRDP Physics book page 43, 44 and 45

Solve Physics official exam sessions

Done by Ruslan Shallak Page 34 of 34

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