AP Physics C: Mechanics 4.1.A—Describe the linear momentum of an object or system Concept

Describe the linear momentum of an object or system.

Linear momentum is defined by the equation pm v= .
Momentum is a vector quantity and has the same direction as the velocity.
Momentum can be used to analyze collisions and explosions.
- i. A collision is a model for an interaction where the forces exerted between the involved objects in the system are much larger than the net external force exerted on those objects during the interaction.
- ii. As only the initial and final states of a collision are analyzed, the object model may be used to analyze collisions.
- iii. An explosion is a model for an interaction in which forces internal to the system move objects within that system apart.