2.3.1 Concept of Linear Momentum 1. Momentum is defined as the product of mass and velocity.

Momentum = Mass x Velocity p = mv where m = mass, v = velocity 2. Momentum is a vector quantity. The direction of the momentum follows the direction of the velocity: + sign denotes the right direction - sign denotes the left direction

3. The SI units of momentum is

or N s

4. Momentum increases when : (a) the mass increases (b) the velocity increases (c) both of the mass and velocity increases

5. Momentum is a derived physical quantity.

Example:

(a) Momentum of trolley A = 2 kg x (3 m/s) = 6 kg m/s (Ns)

(b) Momentum of trolley B = 2 kg x (-2 m/s) = -4 kg m/s (Ns)

2.3.2 PRINCIPLE OF CONSERVATIO N OF MOMENTUM

The principle of conservation of momentum states that the total linear momentum of a closed system of bodies is constant.

This means that the total momentum before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision, if no external forces act on the system.

Closed system
1. A closed system is not affected by external forces. 2. The figure shows an inverted vase in stationary state. 3. The momentum of the system will remain zero unless acted upon by external forces. Hence, momentum is conserved. 4. If the vase is pushed (in other words acted by external forces), the vase will move. Hence, the momentum is not zero and it is not conserved. This is because the system is exposed to the external forces.

Example: (a) Before collision

After collision

Total momentum before collision = m u + m u = 2(10) + 3(0) = 20 kgm/s Total momentum after collision = mu + mu = 2v + 3v = 5v kgm/s
1 1 2 2

From the principle of conservation of momentum Total momentum before Collision = Total momentum after collision 20 = 5v v = 4 m/s

(b) V2 = 4.33 m/s

(c) V2 = 6 m/s

QUIZ !!!
The total mass of a lorry is 20 000 kg and the total mass of a car is 2000 kg. If both the lorry and the car are travelling at a velocity of 25 m s-1 , calculate the momentum of the lorry and the car respectively.

Types of Collision 1. There are three types of collision in the study of momentum: (a) elastic collision (b) inelastic collision (c) explosion 2. Figure 2.71(a) shows a ball hitting the wall. This known as an elastic collision. 3. Figure 2.71(b) shows mud flung on a wall. The mud sticks to the wall. This known as an elastic collision or non-elastic collision.

Elastic Collision
Elastic collision is the collision where the kinetic energy is conserved after the collision.

Inelastic Collision
Inelastic collision is the collision where the kinetic energy is not conserved after the collision.

Problems Involving Linear Momentum 1. A 3 kg object moves at a velocity of 10 m/s and hits a 6 kg object which moves in the opposite direction at 2 m/s. If the second object rebounds at 6 m/s, what is a velocity of the first object?

U1= 10m/s

U2= 2m/s
6kg

v1 = ?

v2 = 6 m/s

3kg

3kg

6kg

(a)

(b)

From the principle of conservation of momentum

m1u1 + m2u2 = m1v1 + m2v2 3(10) + 6 (-2) = 3v1 + 6(6) 3v1 = -18 v1 = - 6 m/s # First object moves at 6 m/s in the opposite direction.

2. A trolley of mass 4 kg moves at 3 m/s and collides with trolley of mass 2 kg which is moving in the opposite direction at 1 m/s. After the collision, both trolley move together with the same velocity. What is the velocity? From the principle of conservation of momentum
m1u1 + m2u2 = (m1 + m2 ) v 4(3) + 2 (-1) = (4+2) v v = 1.67 m/s

3. A 100g bullet is shot from a 1 kg gun. If the bullet is travelling at 150 m/s after being shot, what is the jerk of the gun? From the principle of conservation of momentum (m1 + m2)u = m1v1 + m2v2 Total initial momentum = 0 0.1(150) + 1v2 = 0 v2 = -15 m/s
EXPLOSION

4. A trolley of mass 2.0 kg is placed horizontally. A bullet of mass 4 g is shot horizontally at the trolley at a velocity of 400 m/s. What is the final velocity of the bullet and the trolley?

From the principle of conservation of momentum

m1u1 + m2u2 = (m1 + m2 )v 0.004 (400) + 2(0) =(0.004 + 2) v v = 0.8 m/s

Applications of Conservation of Momentum Technique in Soccer Game 1. A soccer player run before kicking the ball. 2. The ball can be kicked further in this way compared to being kicked by a player who is not running. 3. This because a bigger momentum is produced when running and this momentum is transferred to the ball.

The Water Hose

1. Water from the water hose has a high momentum at the the front. 2. This will produce a momentum of the same magnitude to the back. 3. Hence, several fireman are required to hold the water hose.

qUIz !!!!

A hammer is used to separate the system of two trolleys as shown in figure above. What is the distance x if both trolleys hit the wooden block at the same time?

Momentum before explosion = 0 Momentum after explosion = m1v1 + m2v2 = m1(s1/t) + m2 (s2/t) = 2 (1.5/t) + 3 (-v/t) = 3/t 3x/t By the principle of conservation of momentum 0 = 3/t 3x/t X =1m