| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| collision | An interaction between objects where the forces exerted between them are much larger than any net external force on the system during the interaction. |
| explosion | An interaction in which internal forces within a system move objects apart from each other. |
| momentum | A vector quantity defined as the product of an object's mass and velocity (p=mv), used to describe the motion of objects and systems. |
| object model | A simplified representation of an object where size, shape, and internal configuration are ignored, treating the object as a single point with properties such as mass and charge. |
| vector quantity | A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction, such as momentum or velocity. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| change in momentum | The difference between an object's final momentum and its initial momentum, represented as Δp = p - p₀. |
| impulse | A vector quantity representing the change in momentum of an object or system, calculated as the integral of net force over a time interval or the area under a force-time graph. |
| impulse-momentum theorem | The relationship stating that the impulse exerted on an object equals its change in momentum. |
| momentum | A vector quantity defined as the product of an object's mass and velocity (p=mv), used to describe the motion of objects and systems. |
| net external force | The vector sum of all external forces acting on an object or system, which determines the rate of change of the system's momentum. |
| net force | The vector sum of all forces acting on an object or system. |
| Newton's second law of motion | The principle that the net force on an object equals the rate of change of its momentum, expressed as Fnet = dp/dt = ma. |
| rate of change of momentum | The time derivative of momentum, which equals the net external force exerted on a system. |
| vector quantity | A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction, such as momentum or velocity. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| elastic collision | A collision between objects in which the total kinetic energy of the system is conserved, with initial kinetic energy equal to final kinetic energy. |
| inelastic collision | A collision between objects in which the total kinetic energy of the system decreases, with some kinetic energy transformed into other forms of energy. |
| kinetic energy | The energy possessed by an object due to its motion, equal to one-half the product of its mass and the square of its velocity. |
| nonconservative force | A force for which the work done is path-dependent, such as friction or air resistance. |
| perfectly inelastic collision | A collision in which the objects stick together after impact and move with the same velocity. |