s CHAPTER

PHYSICS WATCH
' page to watchaq
Scan this
of a collision.

? QUESTIONS
•
• Name two physical quanctr.
train that will affect the 1nir•
a collision.
State how each of the tw0r
quantities affects the imp.X'
a collision.
 S.1 What Is Momentum?
In this section, you will learn the following:
• Define momentum as mass x velocity.
• Recall and use the equation p = mv.

An object has momentum when it is in motion.

A fast-moving object has more momentum than a slower-moving object of the same mass
(Figure 5.1).

Figure 5.1 Two identical arrows move towards a target at different speeds. Which of the two arrows has
more momentum?

A massive moving object has more

momentum than a lighter moving object
of the same Velocity (Figure 5.2).

Mass and velocity are two physical

quantities that determine the LINK
momentum of an object.
Is mass a vector or a
Momentum is defined as scalar quantity? What
mass x velocity. about velocity?
Its commonly used unit is the kilogram Recall what you have
metre per second (kg m/s). Figure 5.2 An elephant and a dog are moving at the same velocity learnt in Chapter 1.
to chase the man. Which animal has more momentum?
Momentum = mass x velocity
p = mv where p = momentum
• m = mass
v = velocity
0 QUICK CHECK

The momentum of
Momentum is a vector quantity. It has both magnitude and direction. an object can have
a negative value.
massm massm
velocity-v velocity v True or false?
momentum p ~_;. .:••:1 .:••:•::••:, momentum p
--------1
1·:·:~-=-·:_ 1:··:.: '-
Figure 5.3 The trains have different momenta as the trains are travelling in different directions.

WORD ALERT

momenta: plural of
momentum

Momentum 73 •
.~

HELPFUL NOTES Iii)
To calculate momentum
in kg m/s, the unit for
mass (m) should be
kilogram (kg) and the unit
for velocity (v) should be
metre per second (m/s).
LINK~
Exercise SA
Momentum
a
Worked Example SA
Calculate the momentum of
(a) a runner of mass SO kg running at 4 m/s;
(b) a man of mass 70 kg walking at 1.2 mis;
(c) a soccer ball of mass 400 g (0.4 kg) moving at 25 m/s;
(d) a car of total mass 1000 kg travelling at 18 km/h (5 mis).
Solution
By definition, momentum = mass x vel_ocity
(a) momentum of the runner= SO kg x 4 mis = 200 kg m/s
(b) momentum of the man= 70 kg x 11 m/s = 84 kg m/s
(c) momentum of the soccer ball= 0.4 kg x 25 m/s = 10 kg m/s
(d) momentum of the car= 1000 kg x 5 m/s = 5000 kg m/s
Worked Example 58
(a) What is the speed of a bus with mass 8000 kg and momentum of 88 000 kg m/s?
(b) A car travelling at 12 m/s has a momentum of 14 400 kg m/s. Calculate its mass.
Solution
(a) Given: Mass m = 8000 kg
Momentum p = 88 000 kg m/s
By definition, p = mv
v = p_ = 88 000 kg m/s = 11 m/s
m 8 000 kg
(b) Given: Momentum, p = 14 400 kg m/s
Velocity, v = 12 m/s
By definition, p = mv
p 14400 kg m/s k
m=-=----=1200 g
v 12 m/s
Let's Practise 5.1
1 Fill in the correct physical quantities in the word equation:
momentum= _ _ _ _ _ _ x _ _ _ _ __
2 What is the commonly used unit for momentum?
3 Is momentum a scalar or a vector quantity?
4 Calculate the momentum of a ball of mass 0.4 kg moving at 12 m/s.
5 Mind Map Construct your own mind map for the concepts that you have learnt in
this section.
 .'

Chapter 5

5.2 Momentum, Impulse and Force

In this section, you will learn the following:
• Define impulse as force x time for which force acts.
• Recall and use the equation F!:t.t = !:t.(mV).
• Define resultant force as the change in momentum per unit time.
• Recall and use the equation F = t:,.p .
M

How is impulse related to change in momentum?

Mass and velocity are physical quantities associated with momentum. Other than these two
quantities, what other physical quantities do you associate with momentum? Do you think of force
and time? Figure 5.4 shows a book being pushed across a table with force F for a period of time tit.

push F push F

HELPFUL NOTES

Force is a physical
Initial state Final state quantity derived
Figure 5.4 Pushing a book across a table top from other physical
quantities, where
F =ma.The unit of
During this period of time !:t.t when force Facts,
force(newton,N)can
the velocity of the book changes. Therefore, its be wrinen as kg m/s 2.
momentum changes. We can write the change in
Thus, the unit of
momentum as !:t.(mv).
F!:it = kg m/s2 x s
The change in momentum can be shown to be = kg mis.
equal to the product of the force and the period of The unit for impulse
time for which the force acts. (N s) is equivalent to
the unit for momentum
F!:t.t = !:t.(mv) or Ftit = tip
(kg m/s).
Impulse is defined as force x time for which
force acts.
Its commonly used unit is the
newton second (N s).
Impulse= force x time= F!:t.t
The force applied to an object may not be constant WORD ALERT
throughout the motion of the object. The force F
in the equation in such a situation is the average Constant: stay the same
resultant force acting for a period of time !:t.t.

Figure 5.5 The force on the ball by the boner may not
be consranr from the moment the bat couches the ball
ro the moment the ball leaves the bat.

Momentum
HELPFUL NOTE~ 'ii>
Momentum and impulse
are useful concepts for
analysing collisions or
interactions between
two objects.
HELPFUL NOTE S@
F= l1p is the same as
ll.t
F = ma for special cases
when the mass of the
object does not change.
*ENRICHMENT /ft,
/NFO \SI
Symbol for Momentum
Have you wondered
why the symbol used
for momen tum is p?
The symbol p is
likely to be derived
from the Latin word
perere, which means
·to go~ The symbol
m is not used even
though momen tum
starts with the letter
•m• as the same
symbol was already
in use for mass.
Mome ntum
Worked Example SC
Figure 5 6 shows a boy kicking a stationary ball of mass
0.4 kg ;ith an average force of 100 N. The ball moved at 5 mis
100 N
immedi ately afterwards. Calculate
0.4kg
(a) the impulse of t~e force exerted on the ball;
(b) the time of contact betwee n his boot and the ball. FigureS.6
Solution
Given: F = 100 N, m = 0.4 kg, v
1 = 0 m/s, V2 = 10 mis
(a) Impuls e= change in mome ntum= A(mvJ
= (0.4 kg x 5 m/s) - {0.4 kg x 0 m/s)
= 2 kg m/s = 2 N s
(b) Using FAt = A(mv) At= A(mv) = 2 N 5 = 0.02 s
' F 100 N
The time of contact betwee n his boot and the ball is 0.02 s.
How is resultant force related to change
in momentum?
We have learnt that the impulse of a resultant force equals the
change in momen tum of the object
i.e., FAt = Ap.
Change in momen tum, Ap = FAt
. F=Ap
•• At
Resultant force Fon an object is the change in momen tum per
unit time.
The three quantities momen tum, impulse and resultant force are
. . all related as shown in Table 5.1.
Table 5.1 A summary ofmomentum, impulse and resultant force
Physical quantity Symbol Defining equatio n Commo nly used unit
L. - Momentum p p=mv kgm/s 1
J
Impulse Impulse= Fat
Ns
Resultant force F F=£
.__,____ ____ ____ ____ _-'-__ ___ N
At______.__ .&:_..,_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_..,,.
The quantities momen tum, impulse and force are vector quantiti
es. When adding these quantitie~
their directions must be considered. When they are along the same
straigh t line, assign one directi'.'
as positive. The opposit e direction is negative. The magnitu des
can then be added. Refer to the
examples on adding forces along the same straight line in Chapte
r 1.
j
 I

Chapter 5

Worked Example SD
ENRICHMENT
Suppose a car of mass 1250 kg crashes into a concrete wall. The speed of the car is 72 mis just
THINK
before it hits the wall. Calculate the average force on the car as it hits the wall if it takes
Suppose you board a
(a) 0.1 s for the car to come to a complete stop; bus. All the seats are
(b) 0.4 s for the car to come to a complete stop. taken. You and a few
others have to stand.
Solution The bus picks up
The mpmentum of the car just before the crash = mass x velocity= 1250 x 72 = 9000 kg mis in speed and continues
the forward direction its journey. Suddenly,
all the standing
After the crash, the car stops moving. The momentum of the car after the crash = 0 kg mis.
passengers are jolted
Change in momentum of the car, ¾J = 0 - 9000 = -9000 kg mis out of position when
the bus reaches the
=-9000 N s
traffic light
(a) Average force acting on the car, F = lip = - 9ooo N s = -90 000 N 1 Why do you think
, lit 0.1 s that happens?
The negative sign means the force is in the backward direction. 2 What would you
expect the bus
(b) Average force acting on the car, F = - 9ooo N s = -22 500 N
• 0.4 s driver to do to give
passengers a more
comfortable ride?
Worked Example SD (b) shows that the
force is much smaller with a longer stopping concrete wall
time. In order to increase the stopping time -----····----~,
~ - PHYSICS WATCH
during a crash, a car is designed·wit~ a
'crumple zone: This allows_ the front of the car Scan this page to watch
to collapse when a collision occurs. The car a clip on the effect of the
. can then come to a stop with a slightly crumple zone • crumple zones of a car.
longer time (Figure 5.7).
Figure 5.7 The crumple zone is a safety feature to reduce the
Safety features, such as seat belts and safety force on the car.
helmets, reduce the force by increasing the
time taken for the momentum to change to
zero. This helps to reduce the disastrous
impact of collisions.

Worked Example SE
A ball of mass 0.625 kg hits the ground at 4 mis. It bounces back from the ground at 3.8 ml~.
Calculate the impulse on the ball.
-0 QUICK CHECK

Impulse on an object can

Solution
be·reduced by deoeaslng
Take moving away from the ground (i.e. upwards) as the positive direction.
stopping time.
Giv~n: m = 0.625 kg, u = -4. 0 mis, v = 3.8 mis True or false?
Impulse= change in momentum= lip _
= (0.625 kg x 3.8 mis)- (0.625 kg x -4.0 mis)
= 4.88 kg mis = 4.88 N s
The ground pushes up on the ball with an impulse of 4.88 N s.

Momentum
 • ?f.'

a1t,~riS':· •
•·,. l¥~•1'
i

,
Let's Practise 5.2
1 Fill-in the correct physical quantity in the word equation:
lmpulse= _ _ _ x _ __
2 What is the commonly used unit for impulse?
3 Is impulse a scc!lar or a vector quantity?
4 The resultant force is the change in _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ per unit _ _ _ _ __
s A boy kicks a ball, which is resting on the ground. The boy's boot is in contact with the
ball for 0.040 s. The average force on the ball is 150 N. Calculate the impulse of the boot
LINK'§ on the ball.
6 Mind Map Construct your own mind map for the concepts that you have learnt in
Exercise SB this section.

Lilill LffittiflQfu m I • • I

mu!IB1iMifi! Iill
In this section, you will learn the following:
• Apply the principle of the conservation of momentum to solve simple problems.

What happens to the momentum of moving objects

when they collide?
When two moving objects collide, the total momentum of the two objects just before the collision~
the same as the total momentum of the objects immediately after the collision. This is also known
a1

---- - --
the principle of conservation of momentum.

The momentum of ball Ais

PHYSICS WATCH @
Scan this page to watch a
clip on how the Newton's
transferred through the statiOf\!
balls to ball E. The momentumP'-'
_,.,.,
and lifts ball Eupwards.
_____
When ball A is lifted and released,
it hits ball C. Only ball Eat the other end
is pushed upwards, while the others

--
cradle works.
1___ remain stationary. --------- -- Newton's cradle

Figure 5.8 Newron's cradle is a device used to show the principle of conservation of momenrum·.

fa 78
Moment um
 Chapter S
Worked Example SF
'
Trolley A of mass 2 kg travelling at 2 mis collided with a stationary trolley B of mass 3 kg.
/ft· ENRICHM-ENT
The two trolleys stuck together after the collision. Figure 5.9 shows what happened before and
\!fl ACTIVITY
after the collision. 1 Take two identical
balls of the same
(a) Calculate mass and size. Place
(i) the velocity of the two cor:nbined.trolleys immediately after they collided; one ball at rest.
Launch one ball at
(ii) the impulse experienced by trolley B;
a speed such that
(iii) the change in momentum experienced by trolley A. it collides with the
(b) Comparing your answers to (ii) and (iii), what do you observe? other ball.

...
2 Take two balls of
Before: After: different masses
and sizes. Place the
2m/s at rest V heavier ball at rest

•g :.,I
Launch the lighter

2 kg
I )
:1 iI!, ,I
ball at a speed such
that it collides with
the heavier ball.
3 kg 2+3kg Describe what happens
Figure 5.9Collision of two trolleys in a straight line in each case. Share your
findings with the class.
Solution
(a) (i) Given: Mass of trolley A, m 1 == 2 kg, mass of trolley B, m 2 = 3 kg
velocity of trolley A, v1-= 2 mis, velocity of trolley B, v2 = 0 mis
Total momentum before col_lision = m1v1 + m2 v2 = 2 kg x 2 mis+ 3 kg x Omis
•
=4 kg mis
Total mo_mentum after collision= (m, + m2)V = (2 + 3) kg XV mis= Sv kg mis
Applying the principle of conservation of momentum,
Total momentum after collision= total momentum before collision
5v=4
4'
V=S= 0.8 mis
The speed of tne co~bined trolleys was 0.8 mis.
(ii) After the collision, momentum of trolley B = 3 kg x 0.8 mis= 2.4 kg mis
. Impulse= change in momentum = 2.4 N s - 0 N s
= 2.4 N s in the forward direction
The impulse experienced by trolley Bis 2.4 N sin the forward direction.
(iii) Before the collision, momentum of trolley A= 2 kg x 2 mis= 4 kg mis
After the collision, momentum of trolley A= 2 kg x 0.8 mis= 1.6 kg mis
Change in momentum = 1.6 kg mis - 4 kg mis= -2.4 kg mis
(b) Impulse experienced by trolley A= change in momentum of troll~y A= -2.4 N s
Therefore, trolley A experienced a backward impulse of 2.4 N s, while trolley B experienced
a forward impulse of 2.4 N s.

Momentum
I
QUICK CHECK '0 Worked Example SG
rd
Ball A of mass 0.12 kg is movi~g forwa at a spee ~
8
d f 0 40 mis in a straight line on a smooth
0 9
k.
Ball B moves forward at a velocity of
The total momentum surface. It collides with a stationary ball of m~ssft· th;collision. What is the velocity of ball A
of a system is 0.40 mis. Figure 5.10 shows the balls before an a er
always conserved. after the collision?

..
True or false?
Ball A Ball B

<"oo Om/s
0.40 mis
00
"-J
"--. I

Before

m =0.12 kg m = 0.09 kg

- . 0.40m/s
After
m=0.12 kg m = 0.09 kg

FigureS.10

Solution
Let the speed of ball A after the collision ~e v mis.
Total momentum before collision = 0.12 kg x 0.40 mis -+: 0.09 kg x 0 mis
= 0.048 kg mis in the forward direction
Tota~momentum after collision = 0.12 kg xv mis+ 0.09 kg x 0.40 mis
= (0.12v + 0.036) kg mis in the forward direction
Applying the principle of conservation of momentum,
Total momentum after collision=, total momentum before collision
(0.12v + 0.036) kg mis= 0.048 kg mis
(0.048 - 0.036) kg mis
LINK@ v= - - - - - - - = 0.10 mis
0.12 kg
Practical S

Let's Practise S.3

1 What is the principle of conservation of momentum?
LINK~
2 A car of ,:nass 1200 kg i~ tra~elling at 8.0 mis._ I~ collides with a lorry of mass 2800 kg travelling
Exercises SC-SD at 2 mis in the same direction. After the coll1s1on, the two vehicles stick together. Calculate
their speed immediately after the collision.
Exercise SE Let's Reflect
3 Mind Map Construct your own mind map for the concepts that you have learnt in
this section.

Momentum
Let's Map It

MOMEN TUMp
Usual unit: kg m/s
Vector quantity
is conserved in
is defined as collisions between
objects governed by

The product of mass The principle of

is related to
and velocity conservation
of momentum

which states that

p;::mv When objects collide,

the total momentum
where of the objects before a
p ;::momentum collision is the same as the
m;:: mass total momentum of the
v;::velocity objects after the collision,
provided there is no

( l
external force acting.

I lmpulre 1
m,,,....,,,_.1,,,,........,,,

where where

l l
Impulse ;:: change in momentum
Resultant force F=
FM= t,p ~t

Q 6

Momentum