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Impulse and momentum are fundamental concepts in physics that describe the motion of

objects. They are related to each other and provide valuable insights into the behavior of
objects in motion.

1. Momentum:
Momentum is a property of a moving object that quantifies its motion. It is defined as the
product of an object's mass (m) and its velocity (v). Mathematically, momentum (p) is expressed
as:

p=m*v

The unit of momentum is kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s). Momentum is a vector


quantity, which means it has both magnitude and direction. It follows the direction of the
object's velocity.

The principle of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a system of
objects remains constant unless external forces act on it. In other words, the total momentum
before an event or interaction is equal to the total momentum after the event or interaction.

2. Impulse:
Impulse is a change in momentum. It is the product of the force applied to an object and the
time interval over which the force acts. Mathematically, impulse (J) is given by:

J = F * Δt

Where F represents the force applied to the object, and Δt is the time interval over which the
force acts.

Impulse is also a vector quantity and follows the same direction as the force applied. The unit
of impulse is Newton-second (N·s), which is equivalent to kg·m/s.

According to Newton's second law of motion, the impulse experienced by an object is equal to
the change in momentum it undergoes. This can be stated as:

J = Δp

So, the impulse applied to an object is directly proportional to the change in momentum it
experiences.

Impulse and momentum are interconnected through Newton's second law and the concept of
force. When an object experiences an impulse, its momentum changes. Similarly, when external
forces act on an object, they produce a change in momentum.

The concept of impulse is often used in scenarios involving collisions, as the force exerted
during the collision affects the change in momentum of the objects involved. By analyzing
impulse and momentum, physicists can understand and predict the outcomes of such
interactions and determine factors like the velocities and directions of objects after a collision.

Sample Problems:

Certainly! Here are the five sample problems along with their solutions:

Problem 1:
A car with a mass of 1,200 kg is initially moving at a velocity of 20 m/s. If a constant force of
3,000 N is applied to the car for 10 seconds in the opposite direction, calculate the change in
momentum and impulse experienced by the car.

Solution:
Given:
Mass of the car (m) = 1,200 kg
Initial velocity (v) = 20 m/s
Force applied (F) = 3,000 N
Time interval (Δt) = 10 s

Change in momentum (Δp) = Final momentum - Initial momentum

Initial momentum (p1) = m * v1


Final momentum (p2) = m * v2

Since the car is initially moving and comes to rest due to the applied force:

p1 = m * v = 1,200 kg * 20 m/s = 24,000 kg·m/s


p2 = 0 (as the car comes to rest)

Change in momentum (Δp) = p2 - p1


= 0 - 24,000 kg·m/s
= -24,000 kg·m/s

Impulse (J) = F * Δt = 3,000 N * 10 s = 30,000 N·s

Therefore, the change in momentum experienced by the car is -24,000 kg·m/s, and the impulse
experienced is 30,000 N·s.

Problem 2:
A tennis ball with a mass of 0.06 kg is served with an initial velocity of 30 m/s. If the ball
rebounds off the racket with a velocity of -20 m/s, calculate the change in momentum and
impulse experienced by the ball during the collision.

Solution:
Given:
Mass of the tennis ball (m) = 0.06 kg
Initial velocity (v1) = 30 m/s
Final velocity (v2) = -20 m/s

Change in momentum (Δp) = Final momentum - Initial momentum

Initial momentum (p1) = m * v1


Final momentum (p2) = m * v2

p1 = 0.06 kg * 30 m/s = 1.8 kg·m/s


p2 = 0.06 kg * (-20 m/s) = -1.2 kg·m/s

Change in momentum (Δp) = p2 - p1


= -1.2 kg·m/s - 1.8 kg·m/s
= -3 kg·m/s

Impulse (J) = Δp = -3 kg·m/s

Therefore, the change in momentum experienced by the tennis ball is -3 kg·m/s, and the
impulse experienced is -3 kg·m/s.

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