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Conservation of Momentum & Collisions

Now that we know what momentum is, let's learn about the conservation of momentum and collisions.

The law of conservation of momentum: The total vector sum of the momentum of an isolated system is conserved (it's constant over time).

Similar to the law of conservation of energy, this becomes a useful tool for studying and predicting the motion of objects. If we know the total momentum of a system of objects at any moment in time, we know that value will be the same at another moment in time.

The most common scenario where we apply the conservation of momentum is a collision. A collision is when 2 or more objects come into contact with each other, like 2 cars colliding. But we can also consider scenarios like explosions, where objects or pieces of an object start together and then fly apart. We'll learn about several types of events including elastic collisions, inelastic collisions, perfectly inelastic collisions and explosions.

Angular momentum is also conserved over time, just like linear momentum. Although they are very similar, it's important to establish that the law of conservation of angular momentum is separate because it actually provides its own predictions for the motion of objects.

Study guide with the variables, equations and examples of the law of conservation of momentum
Study guide with the variables, equations and examples of momentum and collisions
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Conservation of Momentum and Collisions
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Multiple-Choice Questions

AP Physics 1 multiple choice questions (MCQ) for conservation of momentum and collisions

Answers

Answer and solutions for the AP Physics 1 multiple choice questions (MCQ) for conservation of momentum and collisions
Answer and solutions for the AP Physics 1 multiple choice questions (MCQ) for conservation of momentum and collisions

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Now that we know what momentum is, let's learn about the conservation of momentum and collisions.

The law of conservation of momentum: The total vector sum of the momentum of an isolated system is conserved (it's constant over time).

Similar to the law of conservation of energy, this becomes a useful tool for studying and predicting the motion of objects. If we know the total momentum of a system of objects at any moment in time, we know that value will be the same at another moment in time.

The most common scenario where we apply the conservation of momentum is a collision. A collision is when 2 or more objects come into contact with each other, like 2 cars colliding. But we can also consider scenarios like explosions, where objects or pieces of an object start together and then fly apart. We'll learn about several types of events including elastic collisions, inelastic collisions, perfectly inelastic collisions and explosions.

Angular momentum is also conserved over time, just like linear momentum. Although they are very similar, it's important to establish that the law of conservation of angular momentum is separate because it actually provides its own predictions for the motion of objects.

Preview of the study guides for the law of conservation of momentum and collisions

Conservation of Momentum and Collisions
Preview of the AP Physics 1 multiple choice questions (MCQ) for conservation of momentum and collisions
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