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Momentum & Impulse Lab
AP Physics 1 · Unit 5 Momentum
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Learning Objectives
Calculate momentum: p = mv
Apply impulse-momentum theorem: J = FΔt = Δp
Verify conservation of momentum in collisions
Compare elastic vs inelastic collisions
Key Equations
p
= mv (momentum)
J
= FΔt = Δp (impulse)
m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = m₁v₁′ + m₂v₂′
Elastic:
KE conserved
Inelastic:
objects stick together
Tags
momentum
impulse
collision
conservation
AP Physics 1
p₁
0 kg·m/s
p₂
0 kg·m/s
p_total
0 kg·m/s
Object 1 (Blue)
Mass₁ (kg)
2.0
Velocity₁ (m/s)
3.0
Object 2 (Red)
Mass₂ (kg)
2.0
Velocity₂ (m/s)
-2.0
Collision Type
Elastic
Perfectly Inelastic
Before/After
p₁ before
6.0
p₂ before
-4.0
p₁ after
—
p₂ after
—
KE before
0
KE after
0
Quick Quiz
A 2 kg ball moving at 5 m/s hits a stationary 3 kg ball (elastic). What is conserved?
Only KE
Only momentum
Both KE and momentum
Neither