TOPIC 3:Version

Teachers’ DYNAMICS
(H1 and H2 2013)

Lecturer: Mr Low Jin Hao

Email: [email protected]

Content

 Newton’s laws of motion

 Linear momentum and its conservation

Learning Outcomes

Candidates should be able to:

(a) state each of Newton's laws of motion.
(b) show an understanding that mass is the property of a body which resists change in motion.
(c) describe and use the concept of weight as the effect of a gravitational field on a mass.
(d) define linear momentum and impulse.
(e) define force as rate of change of momentum.
(f) recall and solve problems using the relationship F = ma, appreciating that force and
acceleration are always in the same direction.
(g) state the principle of conservation of momentum.
(h) apply the principle of conservation of momentum to solve simple problems including
elastic and inelastic interactions between two bodies in one dimension.
(i) recognize that, for a perfectly elastic collision between two bodies, the relative speed of
approach is equal to the relative speed of separation.
(j) show an understanding that, whilst momentum of a system is always conserved in
interactions between bodies, some change in kinetic energy usually takes place.

Content Page

Topic 3-1 | P a g e
 1. Introduction 3-3

2. Newton’s Laws of Motion 3-3

2.1 Newton’s First Law of Motion 3-3

2.2 Mass, Inertia and Weight 3-5
2.3 Momentum 3-5
2.4 Newton’s Second Law of Motion 3-6
2.4.1 Free Body Diagram 3-8
2.4.2 Common Forces to Consider in Free-Body
Diagrams 3-9
2.4.3 Constant Mass Problems 3-11
2.5 Newton’s Third Law of Motion 3-15

3. Impulse and Momentum 3-18

3.1 Impulse 3-18

3.1.1 Impulse-momentum Theorem 3-19
3.2 Conservation of Linear Momentum 3-21
3.2.1 Elastic Collisions 3-23
3.2.2 Inelastic Collisions 3-26

Summary 3-28
Tutorial 3-29

Topic 3-2 | P a g e
1. Introduction

Dynamics is the branch of mechanics where the forces that act on

a body are not in equilibrium. The vector sum of the forces gives a
resultant force that causes the body to accelerate. This resultant
force causes change in motion. In Kinematics, we learned how a
body would move under constant acceleration, if we combine the
knowledge from Dynamics and Kinematics, we will be able to
predict the motion of a body when we know the forces acting on
the body. In the seventeenth century, Sir Isaac Newton formulated
the three Newton’s laws of motion and it is the basis behind
Newtonian Mechanics. Today, Newtonian mechanics is useful for many engineering efforts
in our everyday scale, like how an artillery shell travels in air, and it explains many
phenomenon observed.

2. Newton’s Laws of Motion

In this section, we will be learning Newton’s laws from the basic principles using concepts
of momentum and we will see how Newton’s laws can be applied to everyday life.

2.1 Newton’s First Law of Motion (Law of Inertia)

Newton's First Law of Motion states that an object at rest will remain at rest and an
object in motion will remain in motion at constant velocity in a straight line in the absence of
an external resultant force.

It is also referred to as Law of Inertia, where inertia is the reluctance of a body to change
its state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line.

Topic 3-3 | P a g e
 Food for thought

Can you think of a complete explanation for the tricks above?

The mass of a body is the amount of matter or substance in the body. It is a measure of its
inertia. The bigger the mass, the bigger is the inertia of the body. Hence there is a great
resistance to any change in velocity for a big mass.

Hard to start moving Hard to stop moving once it is

in motion

Newton’s First Law of Motion can be used to explain the following observations:
Observation Explanation
A passenger in a moving bus will When the bus suddenly brakes, the
‘jerk’ forward when the bus driver passenger tends to keep moving at the
suddenly brakes. previous speed and thus lurch forward.
A passenger in a stationary bus When the bus suddenly accelerates, the
will ‘jerk’ backwards when bus passenger tends to stay at rest and thus
driver suddenly accelerates. lurch backwards.

Learning Objectives
(a) State each of Newton's laws of motion. [1st Law]
(b) Show an understanding that mass is the property of a body which resists change in
motion.

Topic 3-4 | P a g e
2.2 Mass, Inertia and Weight
Mass is the amount of matter or substance in a body, which is a measure of the inertia of
the body. It is a scalar quantity and is measured in kilogram (kg). The inertia of a body is
the reluctance of the body to change its state of rest or uniform motion in a straight line, i.e.
its reluctance to start moving, and its reluctance to stop once it has begun moving. The
larger the mass, the larger is the inertia.

Weight of a body is defined as the force acting on it due to the effect of gravity..
Mathematically, for a body of mass m, its weight, W = mg, where g is the acceleration due
to gravity. It is a vector quantity and is measured in newton (N).

Note that the mass of an object is constant all over the universe but its weight is a force
whose magnitude depends on the value of g. An object’s weight on Moon is only one-sixth
of that on Earth, due to the Moon’s weaker force of gravity (smaller g). However, it will be
just as difficult to start to move a stationary object or stop it once it has begun moving on
the Moon as on Earth. This is because mass (rather than weight) is a measure of the
inertia of a body.

Lesson Objectives
(c) Describe and use the concept of weight as the effect of a gravitational field on a
mass.

2.3 Momentum
Definition of Linear Momentum
Linear momentum of a body is defined as the product of mass of the body and its velocity,
and it acts in the same direction as its velocity.
Mathematically, Momentum = mass x velocity, or p = m v (Units: kg m s-1 or N s)

Momentum is a vector quantity. The direction of momentum is the same as the direction of
the velocity. The unit of momentum is kg m s-1 or N s.

Momentum is the property of a body by virtue of its mass and velocity. While the velocity of
a body indicates how fast it is moving, the momentum depends on both its velocity and
mass.

Topic 3-5 | P a g e
 Example 1
(a) Calculate the momentum of a 100 g bullet traveling at a speed of 400 m s-1 to the
right.
(b) Calculate the velocity required for a running person of mass 60 kg to have the same
momentum as the bullet.

Solution
(a) momentum of bullet = (0.100)(400) = 40.0 kg m s-1 to the right
(b) 40.0 = 60 v
v = 0.67 m s-1 to the right

Lesson Objectives
(d) Define linear momentum.

2.4 Newton’s Second Law of Motion

Newton's Second Law of Motion states that the rate of change of momentum of an object
is directly proportional to the resultant force and it occurs in the direction of the resultant
force.

Note that you CANNOT state it as force is directly proportional to the rate of change of
momentum.

Word/phrase Meaning/Definition Equation

change in momentum Final momentum – initial momentum  p = pf – pi
 p = m vf – m vi
rate of change of Derivative of change of momentum dp
momentum with respect to time or change in dt or
momentum divided by the time taken Δp
for the change (for constant force) Δt (for constant force)

Topic 3-6 | P a g e
 Mathematical Interpretation of Newton’s Second Law of Motion:

The rate of change of momentum of a body, p, is directly proportional to the resultant force,
Fnet, acting on it and occurs in the direction of the resultant force.
dp dp
α =k
Fnet dt ⇒ Fnet dt
where k is the constant of proportionality.

d (mv ) dv
Fnet =k =km =kma
dt dt
When mass is constant, (where a is acceleration)
-2
The unit of force is the newton (N or kg m s ).

One newton is defined as the force, which produces an acceleration of 1 m s-2 when it is
applied to a mass of 1 kg.

Hence by definition, the constant k = 1.

Fnet =kma
1 N = k (1 kg) (1 m s-2)
k=1

 
Fnet =ma
where Fnet is the resultant force in newton, m is the mass in kilogram and a is the
acceleration in metre per second per second.

Note: The direction of the resultant force is the same as that of the acceleration of the
body.

Learning Objectives
(a) State each of Newton's laws of motion. [2nd Law]

Topic 3-7 | P a g e
2.4.1 Free Body Diagram
An essential tool used to find the resultant or net force acting on a body is a free body
diagram. A free body diagram shows all the forces acting on the body without showing the
forces on the environment or other bodies. With this diagram, we can then set up equations
to calculate the acceleration of the body.

(impt) The recommended procedure for analysis is as follows:

1. State clearly the body (or system) that is being considered and draw a simple
sketch representing the body (or system).
2. Identify, mark and label on the sketch from part (1), all external forces acting on the
body (or system), paying attention to the point of application of the forces.
3. Determine, if possible, the magnitude of the forces as identified in part (2).
4. Identify 2 suitable perpendicular axes (eg. x and y axis) for analysis (if required) and
resolve all forces on the body (or system) along these 2 axes.
5. Decide for each of the 2 axes, the direction for which acceleration and force are to
be assumed positive.
6. Apply Newton's law of motion individually to the free body for each of the chosen
axes.

Note 1

The mass m to be used when applying Newton’s 2nd Law in the form of
Fnet =ma , is the
mass of the free body being considered.

Note 2

If a system is moving with velocity ⃗v and acceleration ⃗a , all bodies in that system will also

move with velocity ⃗v and acceleration ⃗a .

When solving problems in Newtonian Mechanics, a free body diagram is useful to help you
analyze the question effectively. Mastering the art of drawing a good diagram will lay the
foundations for future topics such as Motion in a Circle, Forces etc.

Topic 3-8 | P a g e
2.4.2 Common Forces to Consider in Free-Body Diagrams

Weight, W
Gravitational force exerted by the source mass (i.e. Earth) on the body.
Acts in the direction of the gravitational field strength, g, at the point of
location of the body through the center of gravity of the body.
W
W = FG = mg

Tensile and Compressive Forces within an Elastic Material

Force exerted by external bodies on the elastic material. It acts axially F
e
along the material. For an elastic material that obeys Hooke's Law, the
extension/ compression e of the material is directly proportional to the
tensile/ compressive force acting on it.

F = ke

Upthrust on a Body in a Fluid, U

Force exerted by the surrounding fluid on the body. Acts vertically
U
upwards through the centre of gravity of the fluid displaced by the
body (centre of buoyancy). Archimedes' Principle - for a body
placed in a fluid, the upthrust on the body by the fluid is equal in
magnitude to the weight of the fluid displaced by body.

U = ρfluid V fluid displaced g

Normal Contact Force, N

N
Force exerted by the contact surface on the body. Acts in the direction of the
normal to the point of contact.

Frictional / Viscous Forces, f

Force exerted by the contact surface/ fluid on the body. It acts in the v

direction opposite to that of the motion of the body.

f

Topic 3-9 | P a g e
 Example 2
Two blocks X and Y, of masses m and 3m respectively, are
accelerated along a smooth horizontal surface by a force P P X Y
applied to block X as shown. Sketch the free body
considering
(i) both blocks as a system
(ii) block X alone and
(iii) block Y alone

Solution

Topic 3-10 | P a g e
 Example 3
What is wrong with the following free body diagrams?

Free Body Diagram Mistake

Only forces are to be

N
A block sliding along a frictionless drawn on the free
horizontal surface with a constant body diagram.
v
velocity. W
Fnet
W
N
Resultant force
A wagon pulled along the floor by a rope Fwagon, rope should NOT be
held at an angle of 30 above the
o
drawn on free body
horizontal. diagram.

N
A book resting on a table. should not be
N
included as it acts on
the table. Weight
should act from the
centre of the book
W
N

2.4.3 Constant Mass Problems

Problems involving Case 1 (constant mass) can be solved by following six simple steps.
Step 1: Draw the free body diagram
Step 2: Draw and label all the forces acting on the body.
Step 3: Assign positive direction (advised to assign in the direction of acceleration)
Step 4: Find the net force F in the direction of the acceleration.
Step 5: Equate the net force to mass x acceleration. (F = ma)
Step 6: Solve the equation(s) to find the unknown(s).

Topic 3-11 | P a g e
 Example 4
A model rocket, of mass 5.0 kg, rises with constant acceleration from rest to a height of
600 m in 10.0 s. Find the thrust that is exerted by the rotor blades during the ascent.

Solution
1 thrust T
Using s = ut + 2 at2
a = 12 m s-2
1
600 = 2 a (10.0)2 or a = 12.0 m s-2
Take upwards as positive, weight W

Fnet = ma
T  W = ma
T – (5.0)(9.81) = (5.0)(12.0)
T = 109 N

Example 5
A car of mass 800 kg is moving up a hill inclined at 30o to the horizontal. The total frictional
force on the car is 1000 N. Calculate the force P due to the engine on the car when the car
is
P
(i) accelerating up the plane at 2.0 m s-2.
(ii) moving with a steady velocity of 15 m s-1.

friction
30o

Solution
Consider forces on the car along the slope:

mg sin 30o
friction = 1000 N
(i)
(ii) + ve Fnet = ma
+ ve Fnet = ma – P - mg sin 30o – 1000 = 0
P = 4.9 x 103 N.
P - mg sin 30o – 1000 = 800 (2.0)
P = 6.5 x 103 N.

Topic 3-12 | P a g e
 Example 6
Three blocks are connected on a horizontal frictionless table and pulled to the right with a
force T1 = 60 N. If m1 = 30 kg, m2 = 20 kg and m3 = 10 kg, find the tensions T2 and T3.

T3 T2 T1 = 60 N
m3 m2 m1

Solution
First, let us consider the whole system, i.e. consider m1, m2, and m3 as one object.
a

60 kg T1 = 60 N

F 60
=
acceleration of system a = m 60 = 1.0 m s-2

Taking RHS as positive:

a

T2 m1 T1 T1 – T2 = m1a (1)
= 30
a
T2 – T3 = m2a (2)
T3 m2 T2 = 20

a T3 = m3a (3)
= 10 N
m3 T3
Sub T3 = 10 N into (2) gives

T2 = 30 N

Alternatively, from (1), T2 = 30 N

Note: For simplicity, only horizontal forces are shown.

Topic 3-13 | P a g e
 Example 7
Two masses m1 and m2 are connected by a cord passing over a smooth pulley and held in
the position shown. Find the tension in the cord and the acceleration of the two bodies
when they are released from rest.

Solution

T T

a m1 m2 a

m2 = 1.0 kg m1g
m1 = 2.0 kg m2g

Consider mass 1, taking downwards positive

m1g - T = m1a - - - (1)

Consider mass 2, taking upwards positive

T - m2g = m2a - - - (2)

Equation (1) + (2),

m1g - m2g = m1a + m2a
2.0g - 1.0g = (2.0 + 1.0)a
\ a = g/3 = 3.3 m s-2

Substitute a into (1)

m1g - T = m1(g/3)
\ T = 2m1g/3
= 2 x 2.0 x 9.81/3 = 13 N

Summary
(a) State each of Newton's laws of motion. [2nd Law]
(e) Define force as rate of change of momentum.
(f) Recall and solve problems using the relationship F = ma, appreciating that force
and acceleration are always in the same direction.

Topic 3-14 | P a g e
2.5 Newton’s Third Law of Motion

Definition of Newton’s Third Law of Motion

If body A exerts a force on body B, then body B exerts a force of the same type that is
equal in magnitude and opposite in direction on body A.

Note that you CANNOT state third law as action and reaction are equal and opposite.

Examples of action-reaction forces

a)

b)

c)

d)

Action-reaction forces:
(1) act on different bodies
(2) are equal in magnitude
(3) are opposite in direction
(4) are of the same kind (eg. If action is gravitational force, then reaction will be
gravitational force too)

Topic 3-15 | P a g e
 Example 8
Consider the two forces acting on the person who stands still – the downward pull of
gravity and the upward support of the floor. Are these forces equal and opposite? Do they
form an action-reaction pair? Why?

Solution force by floor N

The forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
However, they do not form an action-reaction pair as the forces
act on the same body.

weight W

Example 9
Given that the mass of the ball in the picture is 0.5 kg, find the acceleration of the Earth
towards the ball (assume the ball and Earth are the only two objects in the universe).

Solution Ball of mass 0.5 kg

By Newton’s 3rd Law,

Earth of mass
│Force by Earth on ball│ = │Force by ball on Earth│
6 x 1024 kg
│FEB │=│FBE │
mB aB = mE aE
(0.5) (9.81) = (6 x 1024) aE
aE = 8.2 x 10-25 ms-2 (upwards)

Summary
(a) State each of Newton's laws of motion. [3rd Law]
(b) Recall and solve problems using the relationship F = ma, appreciating that force
and acceleration are always in the same direction.

Topic 3-16 | P a g e
 Example 10
A man of mass 80 kg stands on a platform scale in a lift
as shown.
(a) Draw a free-body diagram to show the forces
acting on the man
(b) Calculate the reading on the scale if the lift is
(i) stationary.
(ii) accelerating upwards at 3.0 m s-2.
(iii) accelerating downwards at 3.0 m s-2.
(iv) moving upwards at a constant speed of 10 m s-1.
(v) accelerating downwards at 9.81 m s-2.

(a) force by platform

Solution scale on man R
(b) (i) Lift is stationary: F = ma
R - W = ma
+ ve
R - mg = m (0)
R = 780 N
(ii) F = ma
R – W = ma + ve
weight W
R = 1000 N
(iii) F = ma
W - R = ma + ve
R = 540 N
(iv) At constant speed, acceleration is zero. (v) F = ma
F = ma + ve W - R = ma
+ ve
R - W = ma mg - R = m(9.81)
R - mg = m (0) R=0N
R = 780 N

Note:
By Newton’s 3rd Law, │force by man on platform scale│= │force by platform scale on man│
Therefore reading on the scale = R.

From (b)(v), when a = g (i.e. when the man accelerates downwards at the same rate as
acceleration due to gravity) R = 0. The reading on the scale does not show any reading.
This is the sensation of “apparent weightless”.

Topic 3-17 | P a g e
3. Impulse and Momentum
In this section, we will go in depth into 2 new concepts, namely impulse and momentum.
For the Newtonian dynamics we have learnt so far using concepts of velocity, acceleration
and forces, we are more or less limited to constant net force and constant acceleration. In
real world, we rarely encounter a constant net force and constant acceleration. The
concepts of impulse and momentum will help us to understand real world phenomenon
better as we can consider problems with non-constant net force acting on it.

3.1 Impulse
When we exert a force, F, on a body for a period, t, we will exert an impulse on the body
proportional to the force exerted and the period of time where the force is exerted.

Definition of Impulse:
The impulse of a force is defined as the integral of a force over the time interval during
which the force acts. Mathematically, the impulse of the force acting on the object is given
by

∫ Fdt .
The unit of impulse is either N s or kg ms-1.

It is easier to understand impulse graphically,

tf

Impulse =
∫t i
Fdt
= Area under F-t graph.

Impulse of force F

Topic 3-18 | P a g e
3.1.1 Impulse – Momentum Theorem
From Newton's Second Law of Motion,

dp tf pf
F= ⇒ Fdt =dp ⇒∫t Fdt =∫p dp = p f − pi =Δp
dt i i ....
(1)
tf
∫t i
Fdt = Δp
-------------------- Impulse-Momentum Theorem

Impulse = Change in momentum

Impulse-Momentum Theorem: The impulse of a force acting on an object is equal to the

change in momentum of the object.

The extent to which the momentum of a body is changed by a given net force depends on
(i) the magnitude of the net force
(ii) the duration in which the force acts on the body

Example 11
Explain why, when catching a fast moving ball, the hands are drawn back while the ball
being brought to rest. Discuss whether your explanation has any bearing on the use of
crushable boxes for packing eggs.

Solution
To stop a fast moving ball with a certain amount of momentum, we need to apply a force to
change its momentum to zero. To prevent injury, the impulsive force needed to effect this
change should be a small one. This can be achieved if the force is acting over a long time.
By drawing the hands back, we are increasing the time of contact and hence reducing the
average impulsive force acting on our hands. This will prevent serious injury.

The impulse of a force is defined as the integral of a force over the time interval during
which the force acts. Impulse-Momentum Theorem states that the impulse of a force acting
on an object is equal to the change in momentum of the object. The crushable boxes can
compress hence it takes a longer time for the egg to come to a stop should it drops.
Therefore the egg experiences a smaller force for the same change in momentum and will
not break easily.

Topic 3-19 | P a g e
 Example 12
An object, mass 10 kg, moving with an initial speed of 12 m s-1 has a force acted on it for
22 s as shown. F/N

10
v = 12 m s-1
F

0
10 22 t/s

(a) Calculate the change in momentum after 25 s.

(b) What is the speed of the object at t = 25 s?
(c) Sketch the acceleration-time graph.
(d) Sketch the velocity-time graph.
(e) What is the average force on the object during the 22 s?
Solution
(a) From t = 0 s to t = 22 s, change in momentum = impulse of force = area under F-t graph
= area of trapezium
1
= 2 (12+22)(10)
= 170 kg m s-1
From t = 22 to 25 s, there is no change in momentum. Thus the total change in momentum
for 25 s is the same change in momentum for 22 s, which is equal to 170 kg m s-1.
(b) change in momentum = mass x change in velocity
p = m(vf – vi)
170 = 10(vf – 12)
vf = 29 m s-1
v/m s-1
(c) a/m s-2 (d)

29
1
17
12
0
0 10 22 t/s
10 22 t/s F/N

10
Δp ∫ Fdt 2 (22+12 )(10) 170
1

¿ F>¿ = = = =7 .7 N 7.7
(e) Δt Δt 22 22

0
10 22 t/s
Topic 3-20 | P a g e
 Example 13
Consider a ball of mass 0.20 kg traveling with a velocity 28 m s -1 28 m s-1

directly towards a wall. It hits the wall and bounces off in the
opposite direction with a velocity of 20 m s -1. Calculate the impulse
due to the force by the wall. 20 m s-1

Solution
Take RHS as positive,
impulse of force on ball = change in momentum of ball
= m(vf – vi)
= (0.20)(-20-28)
= -9.6 kg m s-1

The impulse due to the force by the wall is 9.6 kg m s-1 to the left.
Summary
(d) Define impulse.

3.2 Conservation of Linear Momentum

Consider mass A traveling with velocity u 1 collides with mass B with velocity u 2. During the
collision, the two masses are in contact and exert a force F on each other. The duration of
impact is ∆t.

By Newton’s 2nd Law, m1 m2

Before collision
A u1 B u2
Δρ1
For A: F21 = Δt
m1 v 1−m1 u1 A B
Δt -F21 F12
= During collision
Δρ2
For B: F12 = Δt
m2 v 2−m2 u 2 After v2
collision A v1 B
= Δt
By Newton’s 3rd Law, F12 = – F21
m2 v 2−m2 u 2 m1 v 1−m1 u1
Δt =– Δt
m1u1 + m2 u2 = m1v1 + m2v2

Total initial momentum = total final momentum

Topic 3-21 | P a g e
 Conservation of Linear Momentum
The principle of conservation of linear momentum states that the total momentum of a
system remains constant provided NO net external resultant force acts on the system.

Example 14
A 7.0 kg bowling ball of velocity u collides head-on with a 2.0 kg bowling pin. The pin flies
forward with a velocity of 3.0 m s-1 and the ball continues with a velocity of 1.8 m s -1. What
was the initial velocity u of the ball?
Solution
Taking ® as +ve direction.
By Principle of Conservation of Momentum,
m1u1 + m2 u2 = m1v1 + m2v2
7.0 u + 2.0x0 = 7.0x1.8 + 2.0x3.0
\ u = 2.7 m s-1

Example 15
A gun of mass 1.0 kg has a bullet of mass 0.1 kg inside. The bullet leaves the gun when
fired at a velocity of 200 m s-1. Calculate the velocity of the gun after firing.
Solution
Taking ® as +ve direction.
By Principle of Conservation of Momentum,
m1u1 + m2 u2 = m1v1 + m2v2
1.0x0 + 0.1x0 = 1.0v1 + 0.1 × 200
\ v1 =  20 m s-1

Note: Negative sign to indicate gun moves to the left

Topic 3-22 | P a g e
 Types of Collisions

Elastic Collisions Inelastic Collisions

• Total momentum is conserved. • Total momentum is conserved.

• Total kinetic energy is conserved. • Total kinetic energy is not

conserved.
• Relative velocity of approach
equals relative velocity of
separation.

3.2.1 Elastic Collisions

Consider two spheres A and B colliding elastically with each other. The initial velocities of
A and B are u1 and u2 respectively. After the collision, A and B move off with v 1 and v2
respectively.

m1
m2
u1 u2
A B
Before collision

v1 v2
After collision A B

Write down the equations relating to the conservation of momentum and conservation of
kinetic energy.

Conservation of Momentum: m1u1 + m2 u2 = m1v1 + m2v2 --------- (1)

Conservation of Kinetic Energy: ½ m1u12 + ½m2 u22 = ½m1v12 + ½m2v22 ---------- (2)

Rewriting equation (2) gives: m1u12 – m1 v12 = m2v22 - m2u22

m1 (u12 – v12 ) = m2 (v22 - u22)
m1 (u1 + v1 ) (u1 – v1 ) = m2 (v2 + u2) (v2 - u2) ---------- (3)
Rewriting equation (1) gives: m1 (u1 – v1 ) = m2 (v2 - u2) ---------- (4)

Take eqn (3)  (4) gives: u1 + v1 = v2 + u2

u1 - u2 = v2 – v1 ---------- (5)

Topic 3-23 | P a g e
 (Impt) For elastic collision, we can deduce that

Relative velocity of approach = Relative velocity of separation (in magnitude)

⃗u 1−⃗u2 =⃗v 2 −⃗v 1
From (5): v2 = u1 - u2 + v1 ---------- (6)
Sub (6) into (4): m1 (u1 – v1) = m2 (u1 - u2 + v1 - u2)
m1 u1 – m1v1 = m2 u1 - 2m2u2 + m2v1
(m1 + m2 ) v1 = (m1 - m2 ) u1 + 2m2u2
( m 1−m2 ) 2 m2
v 1= u 1+ u2 ---------- (7)
( m 1 +m 2 ) ( m 1 +m 2 )
Similarly, we can obtain:
2 m1 m −m1
v 2= u1+ 2 u ---------- (8)
m1 +m2 m1 +m2 2

Note: For elastic collisions where m1, m2, u1 and u2 are known, we can use the above
equations (Eqns 7 and 8) to find v1 and v2. However, it is advisable to use COM (Eqn 1)
and COKE (Eqn 2) and the relative velocity equation (Eqn 5) to solve for the unknowns.

Three Special Situations:

1. Two identical masses collide ie. m1 = m2 , eg. two billiard balls collide with each
other.
v1 = u2 v2 = u1
That means that the two masses exchange velocities after the collision.
2. A extremely big mass, m1 collides with a very small mass at rest, m2 ie. m1 >> m2 ,
eg. bowling ball hit a stationary ping pong
v1 » u1 v2 » 2u1
The big mass m1 continues with a speed close to its initial speed, while the small
mass m2 bounces off with a speed about twice the initial speed of m1.
3. A very small mass m1 collides with a very big mass at rest, m2 , ie. m2 >> m1,
eg. a ping pong striking a wall
v1 » -u1 v2 » 0
The small mass m1 rebounds with a speed close to its initial speed, and the big
mass remains almost stationary.

Topic 3-24 | P a g e
 Example 16
A 25.0 kg ball moving to the right at 20.0 m s-1 catches up and collides elastically with a
10.0 kg ball moving in the same direction at 15.0 m s -1. Find the velocity of each object
after the collision.

Solution
Conservation of Momentum: m1u1 + m2 u2 = m1v1 + m2v2
Take RHS as positive, 25x20 + 10x15 = 25v1 + 10v2
650 = 25v1 + 10v2

Relative velocity of approach = relative velocity of separation

u1 - u2 = v2 – v1
20 - 15 = v2 – v1
5 = v2 – v1
v1 = 17.1 m s-1 v2 = 22.1 m s-1
Check: ½ m1u12 + ½m2 u22 = ½m1v12 + ½m2v22 => KE is conserved.

Example 17
A 10.0 kg ball moving to the right at 10.0 m s -1 makes an elastic head-on collision with a
15.0 kg ball moving to the left at 30.0 m s-1. Find the velocity of each object after the
collision.

Solution
Conservation of Momentum: m1u1 + m2 u2 = m1v1 + m2v2
Take RHS as positive, 10x10 + 15x(-30) = 10v1 + 15v2
-350 = 10v1 + 15v2
Relative velocity of approach = relative velocity of separation
u1 - u2 = v2 – v1
10 – (-30) = v2 – v1
40 = v2 – v1
v1 = -38 m s -1
(to the left) v2 = 2 m s-1

Topic 3-25 | P a g e
3.2.2 Inelastic Collisions
In most collisions, some changes in kinetic energy usually take place although the
momentum of the system is always conserved. The loss in kinetic energy is due to the
increase in internal energy and heat dissipated to the surroundings. In some cases, sound
and light energy may be produced.

Inelastic Collision
- total momentum is conserved
- total kinetic energy is not conserved

Perfectly Inelastic Collision

- total momentum is conserved
- total kinetic energy is not conserved
- after collision, the 2 objects coalesce (move off together with a common velocity)

Example 18
A cue ball of mass 0.15 kg initial velocity 5.0 m s -1 collides with a billiard ball of mass 0.20
kg initially at rest. After the collision, the billiard ball moves with a velocity of 4.0 m s-1.
(a) Calculate the velocity of the cue ball after the collision.
(b) Is the collision elastic?

Solution
(a) Conservation of Momentum: m1u1 + m2 u2 = m1v1 + m2v2
Take RHS as positive, 0.15x5.0 + 0.2x0 = 0.15v1 + 0.20x4.0
\ v1 = -0.33 m s-1
Note: The negative sign indicates that the cue ball is now traveling to the left.
(b) Total K.E. before collision = ½ m1u12 + ½ m2u22
= ½ x 0.15 x 5.02 + 0
= 1.9 J

Total K.E. after collision = ½ m1v12 + ½ m2v22

= ½ x0.15x0.332 + ½ x0.20x4.02
= 1.6 J
Since KE is lost during the collision, the collision is an inelastic collision. 0.3 J of energy
may be converted to heat and sound energy.

Topic 3-26 | P a g e
 Important!
The relative velocity equation u1 - u2 = v2 – v1 does not apply for inelastic collisions.

Note
We may not be sure of the directions of the balls/objects after collision. In order to solve
problems, we need to make an assumption of the direction. If we obtain a negative value,
we will know that it actually moved in the opposite direction.

Example 19
A ball A of mass 0.10 kg moves with a velocity of 6.0 m s -1 undergoes perfectly inelastic
collision with ball B of mass 0.20 kg initially at rest. Find the velocity of ball A after collision.

Solution
Note: For perfectly inelastic collision, vA = vB = V = common velocity
Taking ® as positive direction.

Conservation of Momentum: mAuA + mB uB = mAvA + mBvB

mAuA + mB uB = (mA + mB) V
0.10x6.0 + 0 = 0.30 V
V = 2.0 m s-1
\ vA = 2.0 m s-1

Summary
(f) state the principle of conservation of momentum.
(g) apply the principle of conservation of momentum to solve simple problems
including elastic and inelastic interactions between two bodies in one dimension.
(h) recognize that, for a perfectly elastic collision between two bodies, the relative
speed of approach is equal to the relative speed of separation.
(i) show an understanding that, whilst momentum of a system is always conserved in
interactions between bodies, some change in kinetic energy usually takes place.

Topic 3-27 | P a g e
Dynamics Summary

N1L: If F = 0, v is 0 or constant.

N2L: For constant mass: F = ma

N3L: FAB = - FBA

|F AB|=|F BA|

Impulse = ∫ Fdt = area under the Force-time graph

For a constant force (From N2L)

Δ mv
F=
Δt FΔt =Δ mv Impulse = FΔt =Δ mv

Impulse = change of momentum

If the duration of the impulse is increased (e.g. by air bag), the average force will decrease for the
same change in momentum.

Elastic Inelastic

COM √ √

COKE √ X

Equation (1), (2) and (3) (1) only

Conservation of Momentum: m1u1 + m2 u2 = m1v1 + m2v2 --------- (1)

Conservation of Kinetic Energy: ½ m1u12 + ½m2 u22 = ½m1v12 + ½m2v22 --------- (2)

Relative velocity of approach =

Relative velocity of separation: u1 - u2 = v2 – v1 -------- (3)
(in magnitude)

Perfectly inelastic collision, the objects move off together after the collision, i.e. v1 = v2

Topic 3-28 | P a g e