SAN QUINTIN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

San Quintin, Pangasinan

IMPULSE AND
MOMENTUM
Module 1: Forces and Motion
Lesson: Momentum and Impulse

What this module is about

All particles with mass experience the effects of
impulse and momentum. Momentum and inertia are
similar concepts that describe an objects motion,
however inertia describes an objects resistance to
change in its velocity, and momentum refers to the
magnitude and direction of its motion. Momentum is an
important parameter to consider in many situations
such as braking in a car or playing a game of billiards.
An object can experience both linear momentum and
angular momentum. The nature of linear momentum
will be explored in this module.
This section will discuss momentum and impulse and the interconnection between
them. We will explore how energy lost in an impact is accounted for and the relationship of
momentum to collisions between two bodies. This section aims to provide a better
understanding of the fundamental concept of momentum.

What you are expected to learn

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. explain road safety measures using the concept of impulse and momentum;

2. define momentum, identify the equation relating momentum to mass and velocity,
identify the units of momentum, and identify the direction of the momentum vector;

3. define impulse and describe its affect upon an object’s momentum;

4. use the impulse-momentum change equation to analyze a collision in order to

determine an unknown quantity in a collision problem;

5. use the impulse-momentum change equation as a guide to thinking about how a

change in one quantity affects another quantity;

6. explain a variety of applications of the impulse-momentum change equation that

pertain to safety; and

7. explain the meaning of the law of momentum conservation and to describe when
the law does and does not apply to a collision;

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 How to learn from this module

In order to achieve the objectives of this module, here’s a simple guide for you:

1. Read and follow instructions carefully.

2. Answer the pretest before going through the lesson.
3. Take note and record points for clarification.
4. Compare your answers against the key to answers found at the end of the module.
5. Do the activities to fully understand each lesson.
6. Answer the self check to monitor what you learned in the lesson.
7. Answer the posttest after you have gone the lesson.

What to do before (Pretest)

Direction: Choose the letter of the best answer and write this on your answer sheet.

1) The linear momentum of an object can be calculated by multiplying the mass of the
object by its______.
a. acceleration c. time
b. impulse d. velocity

2) The greatest change in momentum will be produced by a _______.

a. large force acting over a long time
b. large force acting over a short time
c. small force acting over a long time
d. small force acting over a short time

3) Which has more momentum, a large truck moving at 30 miles per hour or a small truck
moving at 30 miles per hour?
a. The large truck c. Both have the same
momentum
b. The small truck d. None of the above

4) Compared to a sports car moving at 30 miles per hour, the same sports car moving at 60
miles per hour has
a. the same momentum
b. twice as much as the momentum
c. three times as much as the momentum
d. four times as much as the momentum

5) If the momentum of an object changes and its mass remains constant

a. its velocity is changing.
b. it is accelerating (or decelerating).
c. there is a force acting on it.
d. all of the above.

6) The momentum change of an object is equal to the

a. force acting on it.
b. impulse acting on it.
c. object’s mass times the force acting on it.
d. Velocity change of the object.

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7) If Superman at rest in free space throws an asteroid that has more mass than Superman,
then which moves faster?
a. Superman c. They both move at the same speed
b. The asteroid d. They both move at the different
speed

8) Skelly the skater traveling at high speed needs a certain amount of force to stop him.
More stopping force will be needed if he has
a. more mass. c. less stopping distance.
b. more momentum. d. all of these.

9) A ping-pong ball launcher is fired. Compared to the impulse on the ball, the amount of
impulse on the launcher is
a. larger c. the same
b. smaller d. none of the above

10) The cannon ball launched from a cannon with a long barrel will be faster because the
cannon ball receives a greater
a. force c. both of these
b. impulse d. neither of these

11) Impulse can be represented by ________.

a. Δv / Δt c. mv
b. FΔ t d. m/v

12) When a golf club hits a golf ball, the change in momentum of the ball is ____ the change
in momentum of the club.
a. equal to c. less than
b. greater than d. none of the above

13) A system is closed if ______.

a. no net external force acts on it.
b. the system does not gain or lose mass.
c. objects can enter, but not leave, the system.
d. the momentum of each object in the system remains constant.

14) An internal force ______ the total momentum of a closed system.

a. decreases c. equals
b. does not change d. increases

15) A person is standing on roller blades and is holding a heavy medicine ball. If he throws
the medicine ball horizontally to the right, what will be his resulting motion?
a. backward c. to the left
b. no motion d. to the right

Key to answers on page 17

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Familiarity with the following terms will help you get the most from this module:

Terms Definition
1. Momentum - Linear momentum is the product in classical
mechanics of the mass and velocity of an object.

2. Collision - The action of bodies striking or coming together.

3. Elastic - A collision in which the total kinetic energy of the

Collision colliding bodies after collision is equal to their total
kinetic energy before collision.

4. Inelastic - A collision in which some of the kinetic energy of the

Collision colliding bodies is converted into internal energy in
at least one body such that kinetic energy is not
conserved.

5. Kinetic - The energy due to motion

energy

6. Impulse - When both the force and mass are constant, as the
simple product of the force and time.

7. Conservation - A law states that a particular measurable property of

an isolated physical system does not change as the
system evolves.

Impulse and Momentum

What do you think is the purpose of a seatbelt? Does

it really prevent us from bumping into the dashboard of a
car? Did you know that it is a lot better for a falling clay pot
to break onto your head than bounce off your head? Did you
know that a “follow through” is very important in playing golf,
baseball, and boxing? Why are karate experts able to brake
several stacks of cement bricks with their bare hands? Why
do we need to strap our seatbelts when inside a moving
vehicle? All these are concerned with momentum – the
inertia of moving objects.
Fig. 1.1. Wearing seatbelts

Momentum

Which is harder to stop - a massive truck or a

bicycle moving at the same speed? Obviously, the truck

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Fig. 1.2. Truck and Bicycle
has more momentum than the bicycle. Momentum means “inertia in motion”. It tells us how
difficult it is to stop a moving object.

Operationally, momentum is defined as the product of mass and velocity. It is

expressed in units like kg-m/s and N-s. In symbols.
p = mν
where:
p = momentum
m = mass of the moving body
ν = velocity of the moving body

A truck, for example has momentum. Since the truck has mass, m and velocity, v then
the momentum of the truck is p. In short p = m x v. A moving bicycle, on the other hand, has
mass, m and velocity, v equals the velocity of the truck. Thus the momentum of the bicycle is
p. In short; p = m x v. In the case of the car and a skateboard, the car has greater
momentum because it is much more massive than the skateboard. On the other hand, a
truck parked on the side of the road has no momentum at all. How would you make the
momentum of the truck equal to the momentum of the bicycle initially moving at the same
speed?

Fig. 1.3. Car and a skateboard

If we make the
skateboard move
very fast, then its
veloctiy will increase.
In turn, the
magnitude of its
momentum will
increase and will
equal the momentum
of the truck.
Therefore, an object can have large momentum if its velocity is increased.

p=mxv

Here’s a sample problem:

Example 1
a) Calculate the momentum of a 30-kg dog running at a speed of 8.0 m/s toward the west.
(b) How fast must a 70-kg person run to have the same momentum as the dog?

Solution:
1.
Given RTF
mdog = 30 kg V
v= 8.0 m/s
mman = 70 kg

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2. Equation: p = mv

3. Solution:
p = mv
pdog = pman
mdogvdog = mmanvman
vman = mdogV
mman
vman = (30 kg) (8.0 m/s)
70 kg

vman = 3.43 m/s

Impulse: The Change in Momentum

When a moving cart hits a wall, the

cart stops and so its momentum changes.
If the momentum of an object changes,
either the mass or the velocity, or both,
changes. If the mass of the object remains
constant, as is often the case, the velocity
changes, then acceleration occurs.
Fig. 1.4 Car on the road

This acceleration is produced by an applied force. Hence, whenever a force is applied

on an object, the momentum of the object changes.

Time of contact or how long the force acts is also a significant factor. Apply a force
briefly to an automobile and it produces a small change in momentum. Apply the same force
for a longer time and a big change in momentum happens. A long sustained force produces
large change in momentum. Thus, for the momentum of the object to change, we consider
both the applied force and the time of contact.

Impulse is a quantity, which is known as the force multiplied by the time of contact. If
impulse is present, definitely there is a change in momentum.
I = Δp
where:
I = impulse
Δp = change in momentum
since I = Ft
where:
F = applied force
T = time of contact
= mν
thus: Ft = mΔν

Therefore, the application of force over a certain period of time changes the
momentum of the body. In other words;
Impulse = Change in Momentum

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 The impulse-momentum relationship is a good tool in analyzing varied circumstances
where momentum is changed. This includes (1) increasing momentum and (2) decreasing
momentum over a long time and decreasing momentum over a short time.

What you will do

Activity 1.1 Impulse and Momentum

Objectives
1. To find the relationship between impulse and change in momentum.
2. To determine how impact force works with the time of impact if the change in
momentum is constant.

Materials
2 balls of different masses, 1 raw egg, 1 piece of used fishing net, inclined plane,

Procedure
A.
1. Let your friend roll the ball on an inclined plane placed about 30 from the o

horizontal. Stop the ball at the lower end of the inclined plane.
2. Repeat procedure 1 using the other ball released from the same position. Be sure
that its velocity is the same as that of the first ball just before it is stopped.

B.
1. Ask a friend to throw the ball twice towards you.
2. The first catch should be done without moving your hands backwards. For the
second throw move your hands backwards. (Note: Be sure that you use the same
ball and that the force exerted by your classmate in throwing the ball is the same.)

C.
1. Throw a ball horizontally against the concrete wall.
2. Mark the point where the ball first strikes the ground after hitting the wall.
3. From the same position, repeat procedure 1 with greater force.
4. Repeat procedure 2.

D.
1. Using a fishing net, try to catch a raw egg positioned from a height of about 3
meters.
2. Observe what happens.

Guide Questions
A.
1. Which ball is harder to stop? Why?
2. What can you do to make the less massive ball harder to stop than the other ball?
3. What factors affect the ease or difficulty in stopping objects in motion?
4. Answer Q.1 in terms of momentum.

B.
1. In which catch do you feel greater stopping force?
2. Compare the amount of the first with the second impact force.
3. In which catch did you notice a stopping force of greater period of time?
4. What relationship exists between impact force and duration of time?

C.
1. In which throw did the ball land farther from the wall?
2. What does longer distance traveled from the wall indicate about the velocity of the
ball after impact with the wall?

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 3. Compare the momentum of the 1st and 2nd throw of the ball after it leaves the
wall?
4. In which instance is the impact force greater?

Key to answers on page 17

Increasing Momentum

A “follow through” is an important thing in playing golf,

base ball, and boxing. “Follow through” helps increase the
momentum of an object. In increasing the momentum of an
object, increasing the force is a requirement. But if the time of
contact is increased the greater the change in momentum
occurs – the larger the impulse.

The forces involved in impulses are usually not

uniform, they vary from instant to instant. A bat, for example,
that strikes a baseball exerts no force until it comes in contact
with the baseball. Then the force increases rapidly as the bat
and the baseball are distorted.

Fig. 1.5. Batter

Decreasing Momentum over a Long Time and Decreasing Momentum

over a Short Time

If you were to catch a raw egg with your bare hands while playing egg catch and
throw, how would you do it without breaking the egg? Playing catch and throw is very familiar
to us. Usually we move our hands backward when the object thrown at us starts touching our
hands. Try moving your hands forward and you will end up washing off the egg yolk from
your hands.

In these cases momentum is decreased by the same impulse. The only difference is
how long the egg touches the hand. The longer the time of contact, the lesser the force
applied; and the shorter the time of contact, the greater force is applied.
Ft = Impulse
Ft = Impulse

For this reason, why seatbelts and air bags are used as safety devices in a vehicle.
They make the time of contact between you and the dashboard of the car longer, which
lessens the force of impact.

Conservation of Momentum

If one wishes to change the momentum of an object, impulse must be applied on it.
This impulse must be applied on the object by something located outside the object. Internal
forces, however, are not considered. Try pushing the seat of your car while it is in motion
and it doesn’t affect the motion of the car at all. This is because the force you have just
exerted is an internal force. Internal forces always occur in pairs (Law of Interaction). They
act and react within the body.

Consider a rifle being fired. The force that pushes on the bullet when it is inside the
rifle is equal and opposite to the force that makes the rifle recoil. These forces are internal to
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the “system” comprising the rifle and the bullet, so they don’t change the momentum of the
system. The momentum of the rifle, which is at rest, is zero (0) before firing. Since
momentum is a vector quantity, after firing, the momentum of the rifle cancels the
momentum of the bullet. No external force act on the system before and after firing. This
means that no impulse is present to change the momentum of the system. Momentum is
said to be conserved.

Consider a box as our system. Inside the box

are a gun and a bullet. If at this moment the box is at
rest, then the momentum of the box is zero.

If the box is pushed sideward, the momentum

is changed. But if the box remains at rest and the
gun fires the bullet, still the momentum of the box is
zero!

Thus we can conclude that the momentum of

the body in the absence of an external force before
and after firing remains unchanged.

When cars collide, when nuclei decay and

when stars explode, the net momentum before
and after the event is the same. An explosion is
actually a consequence of Newton’s third law of
motion. Since no external force is applied on the
bomb, then the momentum of the bomb is
conserved!

Fig. 1.7. Explosion

Collision:
A collision is an isolated event in which two or more moving bodies (colliding bodies)
exert relatively strong forces on each other for a relatively short time.
Term collision is used to represent an event during which 2 particles come close to each
other and interact by means of forces. Time interval during which the velocities of the
particles change from initial to final values is assumed to be short. The interaction forces are
assumed to be much greater than any external forces present.

For example when two particles of masses m1 and m2 collide, the impulsive forces
may vary in time in complicated ways.
The two particles form an isolated system, and the momentum must be conserved that is:

“The total momentum of an isolated system just before a collision equals to the
momentum of the system just after the collision”.
&

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“The total kinetic energy of the system, may or may not be conserved, depending on
the type of the collision”.

In all collisions, momentum is always conserved. There are two types of collisions:

Elastic Collisions – A collision where energy is also conserved. Dropping a ball to the
ground and seeing it rebound to the exact same height would be an example of an elastic
collision. Of course, this is impossible. Elastic collisions are generally uncommon except on
a molecular level such as the interaction of gases in a closed container.

pa + pb = pa + pb

KEa + KEb = KEa + KEb

“An elastic collision is a collision in which the total kinetic energy of the
colliding bodies after collision is equal to their total kinetic energy before collision”.
Elastic Collision is the collision in which colliding objects rebound without lasting deformation
or heat generation.
Law of conservation of momentum also holds for elastic collision:

“Total linear momentum before collision is equal to the total linear momentum after
collision”.

Elastic collisions occur only if there is no net conversion of kinetic energy into other
forms. During the collision kinetic energy is first converted to potential energy associated
with a repulsive force between the particles, then this potential energy is converted back to
kinetic energy The collisions of atoms are elastic.

Inelastic Collisions – A collision where objects colliding stick together. Kinetic energy is not
conserved, but momentum still is. Excess energy that comes from kinetic energy is turned
primarily into heat. In the picture, the ball does not rebound!

pa + pb = pa + pb

KEa + KEb = KEa + KEb + Heat

“An inelastic collision is a collision in which kinetic energy is not conserved”.

In most collision in the real world, the kinetic energy of the system is not conserved because
some of the energy is converted to internal energy and some of it transferred away by
means of sound.

“Total kinetic energy of the system before the collision is not the same as after the
collision”.

The kinetic energy is not completely lost, but is converted into other forms of energy
according to the principle of conversion of energy.

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 However,” The momentum of the collision is still conserved”. The total
momentum of the involved bodies is conserved, regardless whether the collision is elastic or
inelastic.
When two objects stick together after collision, the collision is said to be perfectly
inelastic. All collisions between real objects are more or less inelastic.

What you will do

Self-Test 1.1: Momentum

1. A bug and a windshield of a fast-moving car collided. Tell whether the following
statements are true or false.

a. The forces of impact on the bug and on the car are the same. __________

b. The impulses on the bug and on the car are the same. ____________

c. The changes in speed of the car and of the bug are the same. ___________

d. The changes in momentum of the bug and of the car are the same. _______

2. When you ride a bicycle at full speed, which has the greater momentum – you or
the bike?

3. You cannot throw an egg against a wall without breaking it, but you can throw it
with the same speed into a sagging sheet without breaking it. Why?

Key to answers on page 17

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 What you will do
Self-Test 1.2: Elastic and Inelastic Collisions

I. Essay Writing:
1. Explain what happened in the first demonstration on elastic collisions.

2. Explain what happened in the second demonstration on inelastic collisions.

3. Assuming the first carts started at the same speed in both demonstrations,
explain why the inelastic collision ended slower than the elastic collision.

II. Questions:
1. A 4.00 kg metal cart is sitting at rest on a frictionless ice surface. Another metal
cart whose mass is 1.00 kg is fired at the cart and strikes it in a one-
dimensional elastic collision. If the original velocity of the second cart was 2.00
m/s, what are the velocities of the two carts after the collision?

2. Identify the following collisions as most likely elastic or most likely inelastic.
a. A ball of modeling clay dropped on the floor.

b. A fender-bender automobile collision.

c. A golf ball landing on the green.

d. Two billiard balls colliding on a billiard table. e. A collision between two

ball bearings.

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 Key to answers on page 17

Let’s summarize
1. Momentum is the product of mass and velocity. In symbols; p = m x v.

2. If the velocity of a moving object is increased or decreased, the momentum

of the moving body changes.

3. All less massive objects can have the same momentum as that of more
massive objects if these less massive objects will move very fast.

4. For an equivalent change in momentum, the larger the time of impact

results to lesser force. This can be the reason why we use seatbelts and
airbags in cars. - To lessen the impact force!

5. The momentum of a system is conserved if no external force acts on it.

6. Conservation of momentum is also applicable in elastic and inelastic

collisions.

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 Posttest

Direction:
I. TRUE OR FALSE QUESTIONS: Circle the correct answer.
T F 1. If the net external force acting on a system is zero, then the
total momentum of the system is zero.

T F 2. Impulses are smaller when bouncing takes place.

T F 3. After a firecracker falling through the air explodes, the net

momentum of its fragments decreases.

T F 4. The padding on car dashboards lengthens the time of a

passenger’s impact during collision.

T F 5. If a net force acts on a system, the system’s momentum will

change.

II. MULTIPLE CHOICE: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. A Ping-pong gun is fired. Compared to the force on the ball, the force on the gun is
_____________.
a. larger
b. smaller
c. the same
d. none of the above

2. A Ping-pong gun is fired. Compared to the impulse on the ball, the impulse on the gun
is ______________.
a. larger
b. smaller
c. the same
d. none of the above

3. Suppose a gun is made of a strong but very light materials. Suppose also that the
bullet is more massive than the gun itself. For such a weapon ________________.
a. the target would be a safer place than where the shooter is located
b. conservation of momentum would not hold.
c. conservation of energy would not hold
d. recoil problems would be lessened

4. Which has more momentum, a large truck moving at 30 km/h or a small truck moving
at 30 km/h?
a. large truck
b. small truck
c. Neither of the two
d. Both have the same momentum.

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 5. The momentum change of an object is equal to the ______________.
a. force acting on it
b. impulse acting on it
c. velocity change of the object
d. force acting on it times its velocity

6. A heavy object and a light object are released from rest at the same height and time
in a vacuum. As they fall, they have equal _____________.
a. weights
b. momenta
c. energies
d. acceleration

7. Which of the following is the correct description of momentum?

a. The product of force and time
b. The product of mass and velocity
c. The product of force and distance
d. The change in velocity per unit time

8. Which of the following is the correct unit of momentum?

a. N.m 2

b. N/m 2

c. N.s
d. N/s2

III.Problem Solving:
Solve the following problems. Show all your computation.

9. What is the average momentum of a 70-kg runner who covers 400 m in 50s?

10. A 30 kg girl and a 25 kg boy face each other on friction-free roller skates. The girl
pushes the boy, who moves away at a speed of 1.0 m/s. What is the girl’s speed?

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 Key to answers on page 18
Key to Answers

Pretest
1. d
2. a 9. c
3. a 10. b
4. b 11. b
5. d 12. a
6. b 13. b
7. a 14. b
8. d 15. c

Activity 1.1
A.
1. The more massive ball
2. Let the ball roll slowly or slower
3. Momentum of an object depends on its mass and velocity.
4. The lesser the momentum of an object the easier it is to stop.
B.
1. The one on which the hands were not moved backwards.
2. The first throw has greater impact force
3. The 2nd throw
4. The longer the time the lesser the impact force
C.
1. The one with greater time
2. The longer the distance means the more velocity it has.
3. The first throw has lesser momentum
4. The first throw.

Self Test.1.1
1. a) True b) True c) False d) False
2. It depends on which has greater mass
3. It makes the time of contact longer thereby decreasing the impact force.

Self Test.1.2

I.
1. The momentum from the first cart was completely transferred into the second when the
collision occurred and kinetic energy was unchanged.
2. The momentum from the first cart was shared between the two carts when the collision
occurred and kinetic energy decreased
3. The end product of the inelastic collision had more mass than the elastic collision.
Because momentum remained unchanged in both demonstrations but the mass of the
second increased, the velocity had to decrease or else the momentum would also
increase.
II.
1. Solve for cart #1’s velocity using: 𝑚1 = 4𝑘𝑔, 𝑚2 = 1𝑘𝑔, 𝑣𝑖1 = 0 𝑚 𝑠 , 𝑣𝑖2 = 2.00 𝑚 𝑠
a. 𝑣𝑓1 = (𝑚1−𝑚2 )𝑣𝑖1+2𝑚2𝑣𝑖2 𝑚1+𝑚2 ∶ (4𝑘𝑔−1𝑘𝑔) 0𝑚/ 𝑠 +2(1𝑘𝑔)(2) 4𝑘𝑔+1𝑘𝑔 = .8 𝑚/𝑠

b. 𝑣𝑓2 =2𝑚1𝑣𝑖1−(𝑚1−𝑚2 )𝑣𝑖2 𝑚1+𝑚2 ∶ (2∗4𝑘𝑔∗0 𝑚/𝑠 )−(4𝑘𝑔−1𝑘𝑔)2 𝑚/𝑠 4𝑘𝑔+1𝑘𝑔 = −𝟏.𝟐𝒎/𝒔

c. The first cart’s final velocity is 0.8 m/s, and the second cart’s final velocity is -1.2 m/s.
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 2. a. Inelastic – change in kinetic energy because the clay will compress.
b. Inelastic – change in kinetic energy because both cars will compress.
c. Inelastic – change in kinetic energy because the grass will compress.
d. Elastic e. Elastic

Posttest
I. II.
1. F 1. c 6. d
2. F 2. C 7. b
3. F 3. A 8.c
4. T 4. a
5. T 5. b

III
9. P = 560 kg.m/s
10. X = 0.83 m/s

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 -End of Module-

References
Cohen, M. (1992). Discover science. Metro Manila: Academe Publishing House.

Halliday, D., Resnick, R. and Krane, K. (1994). Fundamentals of physics. Singapore: John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Hewitt, P. (1989). Conceptual physics (6th Ed.) London: Scoot, Foresman and Company

Heuvelen, A. (1986). Physics: a general introduction (2nd Edition). Sta. Cruz, Manila: UNI-ED Inc.,

Jones, E. and Childers, R. (1999). Contemporary college physics. New York: Mc Craw-Hill Co.

Morales, M.P. (2000). Worktext in physical sciences. Manila: PNU Press.

Young, Hugh. D. (1996). University physics (9th Edition). NY : Addison-Wesley Pub. Co.

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