FORCES & MOTION - 3

LINEAR MOMENTUM

Linear Momentum:

⃗p=m ⃗v [kg m / sec] Vector!

Conservation of linear momentum in elastic collisions

( ⃗ptotal )initial =( ⃗ptotal )final

Elastic collision =>> Total Kinetic Energy is conserved:

[∑ ( )] [∑ ( )]
2 2
mi v i mi v i
=
i 2 initial i 2 final

For the case of 2 objects in elastic collision,

it can be shown:
initial final initial final
v1 + v 1 =v 2 + v2

From the Newton’s 2nd Law:

The net Force acting on an object over a time interval
is equal to the change in its linear momentum:
⃗
F net ∆ t=∆ ⃗p (Impulse on collision impact)
∆ ⃗v
for constant mass: ⃗F =m ∆ t =m ⃗a ( )
 FORCES & MOTION - 3

Problem 1
Two identical objects, each of mass 2 kg, collide. After the
collision, the loss of momentum for one of the objects is 120 kg
m/s. Calculate the change in momentum of the other object and
the change in its velocity.

Problem 2
A stationary cannon of mass 1200 kg fires a 20 kg shell at velocity
300 m/s. Calculate the recoil speed of the cannon. Explain your
answer.

Problem 3
A 150g ball travelling at 15m/s hits a wall at right angle and
rebounds at the same speed. The ball is in contact with the wall
for 0.025s. Calculate the force exerted by the wall on the ball.
 FORCES & MOTION - 3

Test Problem #7 (4PH1_June 2019 (R) QP2):

 FORCES & MOTION - 3

STATICS
Newtons 3d Law:
For every force there is an equal and opposite reaction force

System at Equilibrium = Forces in all directions are balanced

Force due to the weight of an object is applied at the center of mass/gravity

Free-body diagram – diagram of all applied forces

Moment of the Force (2D - causes rotation about a reference point)

M =F ∙ d [Nm]
d is the moment arm –
the shortest distance between the line of force and the reference point.
By convention, +M (counter-clockwise), -M (clockwise)
Procedure for the static problem (2D):
 Identify all external reaction forces for a given system
 Draw a free-body diagram indicating all forces (at appropriate points and in
appropriate directions).
 Solve the equilibrium equations for all forces in x, y directions, and the moments
about a reference point:
∑ F x =0
∑ F y =0
∑ M ref pt =0 (principle of moments =>> Balancing the moments may be enough!)
Using three equations, can find up to 3 unknown forces!

Test Problem #8 (4PH0_June 2018 QP2):

 FORCES & MOTION - 3

Test Problem #8 (4PH1_June 2019 QP2):

FORCES & MOTION - 3