Solutions

Student Name: ………………………………………. ID #: ……………………………………… Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

Physics
Topic 6
Linear Momentum

Contents
6.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................2
6.2 Total Momentum of a system .........................................................................................................3
6.3 The Change in Momentum of a System (∆p)..................................................................................7
6.4 Momentum and its relation to force ..............................................................................................11
6.5 Collisions and Impulse ................................................................................................................12
6.6 Conservation of Momentum .........................................................................................................15
6.7 Elastic & Inelastic Collisions in One Dimension............................................................................18
6.8 Collisions in Two Dimensions ......................................................................................................22
6.9 Centre of Mass ............................................................................................................................30
6.10 Velocity of Centre of Mass ...........................................................................................................34
Glossary of Terms – Linear Momentum ..................................................................................................38
Formulae – Linear Momentum................................................................................................................38

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand

Starter Question – Guess now!
1. A railroad car loaded up with rocks coasts on
a level track without friction. A worker at the back
of the car starts throwing rocks horizontally
backward from the car. Then, what happens?

A. The car slows down.

B. The car speeds up.
C. First the car speeds up then it slows down.
D. The car’s speed remains constant.
E. None of these.

….....

2. Which answer from above would you choose if the rock falls out through a hole in the floor of the
car, one at a time?

….....

3. A golf ball and an equal mass bean bag are dropped from the same height
and hit the ground. The bean bag stays on the ground while the golf ball rebounds.
Which experiences the greater impulse from the ground?

A. The golf ball.

B. The bean bag.
C. Both the same.
D. Not enough information.

….....

4. A bowling ball hangs from a 1.0 𝑚𝑚 long cord.

(i) A 200 𝑔𝑔 putty ball moving at 5.0 𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 −1 hits the bowling ball and sticks to it, causing the bowling ball to
swing up;
(ii) A 200 𝑔𝑔 rubber ball moving at 5.0 𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 −1 hits the bowling ball and bounces straight back at nearly
5.0 𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 −1 , causing the bowling ball to swing up.
Describe what happens.

A. The bowling ball swings up by the same amount in both (i) and (ii).
B. The ball swings up farther in (i) than (ii).
C. The ball swings up farther in (ii) than (i).
D. Not enough information is given; we need the contact time between the rubber ball and the bowling
ball.

….....

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 2

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

6.1 Introduction
Momentum is defined to be the product of a body’s mass and
velocity.
The symbol for momentum is p; the units are kgms-1.

𝑝𝑝 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 [𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1 ]

“Momentum is the quantity that changes when a net force is

applied to a body”,

Since velocity is a vector, momentum is a vector. The direction of momentum is the same as the body’s
velocity. When giving momentum you must give size and direction.

Ex. #1
A car of mass 1200 kg travels west at 15 ms-1. What is the car’s momentum?
𝑝𝑝 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
= 1200 × 15
= 18,000 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1West (must give direction)

Exercise A:
Can a small sports car ever have the same momentum as a large sport-utility vehicle with three times the
sports car’s mass?
Yes, if velocity is 3 times bigger, then mv is the same.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

6.2 Total Momentum of a system

Since momentum is a vector quantity, to find the total momentum p, we must do vector addition.

Total momentum of linear systems

Bodies move forwards and backwards in a straight line. Show directions using positive and negative signs.

Ex. #2
Find the total momentum of the system.

𝑝𝑝𝑇𝑇 = 𝑚𝑚1 𝑣𝑣1 + 𝑚𝑚2 𝑣𝑣2

= (6 × 4) + (12 × −5)
= 24 − 60
= −36 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1
𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 36 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙

[Answer: 36 kgms-1 to the left]

Problems Booklet A: 1-11

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 3

Total momentum of a 2-dimensional system
Represent momentum with arrows and do vector addition.

Ex.#3
Find the total momentum of the system.

𝑃𝑃𝑇𝑇 = √562 + 242

= 60.0 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1
= 61 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1 (2 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠)

56
𝜃𝜃 = 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡−1 � �
24
= 66.8°

⇒ PT = 61 kgms -1 @ 67° N of E

or PT = 61 kgms -1 @ 23° E of N

[Answer: 60.9 kgms-1 @ 66.8º N of E]

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 4

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #4
Find the total momentum of the system. To do this, draw a momentum vector diagram.

Using the cosine rule

2
𝑝𝑝𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 = 422 + 962 − (2 × 42 × 96 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 107°)
= 13,337.7

⇒ pTotal = 115.49
= 115 kgms -1

Using the sine rule

𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠107° 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
⇒ =
115.49 42

42×𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠107°
⇒ α = 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠−1 � �
115.49

= 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠−10.3569

= 20.92°

⇒ So angle of pTotal is 47 – 20.9° = 26.1° N of E

⇒ pTotal = 115 kgms-1 @ 26.1° N of E

[Answer: 115 kgms-1 @ 26.6º N of E]

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 5

Ex. #5
Find the total momentum of the system in the previous problem by using vector components.

First break each object’s momentum into horizontal

and vertical components

Add together the horizontal and vertical components:

pH = p AH + pBH = 37.75 + 65.47 = 103.22 kgms -1

pv = p Av + pBv = -18.41 + 70.21 = 51.8 kgms -1

pTotal =�𝑝𝑝𝐻𝐻2 + 𝑝𝑝𝑣𝑣2

= √51.82 + 103.222
= 115.49
= 115 kgms1

𝑝𝑝 51.8
θ = 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡−1 �𝑝𝑝 𝑣𝑣 � = 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡−1 � �
𝐻𝐻 103.22
= 26.6°
⇒ pTotal = 115 kgms -1@ 26.6° N of E

Same as method on Ex #4

[Answer: 115 kgms-1 @ 26.6º N of E]

Problems Booklet A: 12,15

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 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

6.3 The Change in Momentum of a System (∆p)

Because momentum is a vector quantity, there is a change in momentum whenever there is:
1. a change in mass
2. a change in speed
3. a change in direction or the motion
Note: This course does not include problems where the mass of a system changes, i.e. rockets.

To find the change in momentum, we must do vector subtraction.

p + Δp = pf so if we know pi and pf we subtract to find Δp

Change in Momentum for linear systems

Bodies move forwards and backwards in a straight line. Show directions using positive and negative signs.
Ex. #6
A ball hits a wall and then bounces off it. At all times the ball moves along a line which is perpendicular
to that wall. The ball hits the wall at 4.0 ms-1 and rebounds at 3.0 ms-1. The ball has a mass of 0.25 kg.
Draw the momentum vectors both before and after the collision with the wall.
a). What is the change in momentum of the ball during the collision with the wall?

m = 0.25 kg
vi = 4.0 ms -1
vf = 3.0 ms-1
Δp =Δmv
= m ( vf – vi )
= 0.25 × (−3.0 − 4.0)
= 0.25 × −7
= −1.75 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1(to the left, away from the wall)

b). What is the change in kinetic energy of the ball during the collision with the wall?

Δ EK = EKf - EKi
= ½ m vf 2 – ½ mvi 2
= ½ m (vf 2 – vi 2)
= ½ × 0.25 × (-3 2 – 4 2)
= 0.125 × (-7)
= - 0.875 J ⇒ a decrease in EK, energy transferred to heat

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 7

Change in momentum for a 2-dimensional system
Represent momentum with arrows and do vector addition.

Ex. #7
A boy of mass 55.0 kg running south at 6.0 ms-1, suddenly changes direction and runs east at
7.0 ms-1. What is the boy’s change in momentum?

pi = m vi = 55 × 6.0 = 330 kgms -1

pf =mvf = 55 × 7.0 – 385 kgms -1

| pf – pi | = √ (pf2 + pi 2)
= √ (385 2 + 330 2)
= 507.074
= 507 kgm s-1

Θ = tan-1 ( pi / pf ) = tan-1 ( 330 / 385 ) = 40.60°

⇒ Δp = 507 kgms -1 @ 40.6° N of E

[Answer: 507 kgms-1 @ 40.6º N of E]

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 8

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #8
A 1.50 kg rubber ball is thrown at a wall at 32.0 ms-1 as shown. The ball rebounds at the same speed and
angle to the wall – this is not possible in the real world! Find the change in momentum of the rubber ball.
Show two methods – use a momentum vector triangle (Ex. #8) and vector components (Ex. #9).

Δp = pf - pi
Same speed ⇒ no EK lost

|pf | = |pi | = 32 × 1.5 = 48 kgms -1

𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 48
=
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠(28°+28°) 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 62°

𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 56°
⇒ Δp = 48 ×
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 62°

= 45.1 kgms -1

⇒ Δp = 45.1 kgms -1, horizontally, away from wall

[Answer: 45.1 kgms-1 away from the wall]

Problems A: 13,14

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 9

Ex. #9
A 1.50 kg rubber ball is thrown at a wall at 32.0 ms-1 as shown. The ball rebounds at the same speed and
angle to the wall – this is not possible in the real world! Find the change in momentum of the rubber ball.
Show two methods – use a momentum vector triangle (Ex. #8) and vector components (Ex. #9).

Δp = pf - pi

Can apply to each direction separately, then combine.

pH
ΔpH = pHf - pHi
= m vf sin θ – mv i sin θ
= ( 1.5 × -32 sin 28 ) – ( 1.5 × 32 sin 28 )
= -22.53 – 22.53
= -45.1 kgms -1
pV
ΔpV = pVf - pVi
= m vf cosθ – mvi cosθ
= ( 1.5 × -48 cos 28 ) – ( 1.5 × -48 cos 28 )
= -72 cos 28° + 72 cos 28°
=0

Hence Δp = Δ pH + Δ pV ( combine as vectors)

= -45.1 kgms -1 (away from the wall)

[Answer: 45 kgms-1 away from the wall]

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 10

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

6.4 Momentum and its relation to force

A force is required to change the momentum of an object,

whether to increase the momentum, to decrease it, or to
change its direction.

Newton’s statement of the Second Law of Motion

translated is as follows:

The rate of change of momentum of an object is

equal to the net force applied to it.

We can write this as an equation:

𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥

𝛴𝛴𝛴𝛴 = 𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥
= 𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥
= 𝑚𝑚 𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 (when mass is constant)

where Σ𝑭𝑭 is the net force applied to the object (the vector sum of all forces acting on it) and Δ𝒑𝒑 is the
resulting momentum change that occurs during the time interval Δ𝒕𝒕.

We can readily derive the familiar form of the second law, Σ𝑭𝑭 = 𝑚𝑚𝒂𝒂 for the case of constant mass.
Write this in the space above.

Ex. #10 Force of a tennis serve (Example 7-1, page 172)

For a top player, a tennis ball may leave the racket on the serve with a
speed of 62 ms-1 (approximately 220 kmhr-1).
If the regulation mass of a tennis ball is 57g and the ball is in contact
with the racket for 5.0 ms, estimate the average force on the ball.

𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 (𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑓𝑓 − 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑖𝑖 )

F= =
𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 𝑡𝑡
(0.057×62−0)
=
5.0×103
= 706.8 ⇒ 707 N

Compare with weight of ball, = mg =

0.057 × 9.80 = 0.56 N - small
Is there any other practical way to measure this force? – not really!

What is your weight force? How does the force from the racket compare?
65 kg ⇒ mg ⇒ 637 N ⇒ racquet force is larger!
……………………………………………………………………………………..

A direct measurement of this force is not practical. Measurements of the contact time of the collision between the racket and ball
using high-speed photography and radar give us an estimate of this unknown force in the real world.

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 11

Ex. #11 Washing a car (Example 7-2, page 172)
Water leaves a hose at a rate of 1.5 kgs-1 with a speed of 20.0 ms-1
and is aimed at the side of a car, which stops it – that is, we ignore
any splashing back.
What is the force of the water on the car?
𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚
𝐹𝐹𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 = = = × �𝑣𝑣𝑓𝑓 − 𝑣𝑣𝑖𝑖 � = 1.5(0 − 20) = −30 𝑁𝑁
𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥
Is this the force on the water, or the force on the car?
How do you know?
⇒ the car exerts a force on the water of 30 N (to the left)
⇒ the water exerts a force on the car of 30 N (to the right)

If the water does splash back from the car, would the force on the car be larger or
smaller? Explain.
Larger change in v ⇒ larger force, larger change in momentum.
Example: car crash, bouncing all, lifting/kicking a ball…….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....

6.5 Collisions and Impulse

Read Chapter 7-3 Collisions and Impulse, page 176

Collisions are a common occurrence in everyday life – a

tennis racket or baseball bat striking a ball, a hammer hitting
a nail. When a collision occurs, the interaction between the
objects involved is usually far greater than any external
forces. We can therefore ignore the effects of any other
forces during the brief time interval of the collision.
During a collision, both objects are deformed, often
considerably because of the large forces involved as can be
seen at right. When a collision occurs, the force each exerts on
the other usually jumps from zero at the moment of contact to a
very large force within a very short time, and then rapidly
returns to zero again. A graph of the magnitude of the force
that one object exerts on the other during a collision, as a
function of time, is something like the red curve shown on the
right.
From Newton’s second law, the net force on an object is
equal to the rate of change of momentum.

Δ𝑝𝑝
Σ𝐹𝐹 =
Δ𝑡𝑡
We multiply both sides of the equation by Δ𝑡𝑡 and obtain

𝐹𝐹 Δ𝑡𝑡 = Δ𝑝𝑝

The quantity on the left, the product of force 𝑭𝑭 times the time Δ𝒕𝒕
over which the force acts, is called the impulse.

𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 = 𝐹𝐹Δ𝑡𝑡

Problems Booklet B: 1-3,6,8,9,10

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 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

We see that the total change in momentum is equal to the

impulse. The concept of impulse is useful mainly when dealing
with forces that act during a short time interval, as when a tennis
ball hits a racket. The force is generally not constant.
We can often approximate such a varying force as an average
force 𝑭𝑭� acting during a time interval Δ𝑡𝑡, as indicated by the
� is chosen so that the area
dashed line in the graph at right. 𝑭𝑭
�
shown shaded (equal to 𝑭𝑭 × Δ𝑡𝑡) is equal to the area under the
actual curve of 𝐹𝐹 vs 𝑡𝑡, which represents the actual impulse.

Ex. #12 The golf club

A golf club strikes a golf ball of mass 58 g which is initially
sitting on a tee. The golf ball instantaneously accelerates to a
speed of 62 ms-1. If the club is in contact with the ball for 7.5
ms, calculate the average force exerted on the ball.

𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 = 𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥
𝐹𝐹 = 𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥/𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥 (rate of change of momentum)
𝑚𝑚(𝑣𝑣𝑓𝑓 −𝑣𝑣𝑖𝑖 )
= 𝛥𝛥𝛥𝛥
0.058×(62−0)
= ⇒ same Δp ⇒ shorter time ⇒ bigger force
0.0075
= 479.5 = 480 N ⇒ same force longer time ⇒ bigger Δp

Ex. #13
How do airbags in cars help us to suffer less injuries during accidents?
The change in momentum is the same with or without an airbag.
………………………………………………………………………………
An airbag gives more time for the same change in momentum.
………………………………………………………………………………
⇒ same Δp , larger Δt
………………………………………………………………………………
⇒ smaller force (for a longer time)
………………………………………………………………………………
⇒ less injuries
………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 13

Ex. #14
Consider a collision between a car and a tree and the force suffered by the driver during this collision.
Consider two situations: one where the car has an airbag on the steering wheel, and one where the car
does not have an airbag on the steering wheel.

Sketch two “force v.s. time” graphs on one set of

axes at right. One graph represents the collision Force (N)

with airbags, and the other without airbags.

What can you say about the size of the average

force, the time taken for the collision and the
change in momentum in each case?

Fwithout > Fwith

……………………………………………………
Δtwithout < Δtwith
……………………………………………………
Δpwithout = Δpwith Time (ms)
……………………………………………………

Same area covers both curves

Area = F × t = Δp
Because Δt is longer with and airbag, the peak force and average force is less.

Problems Booklet B: 11,12,13,17,18.

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 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

6.6 Conservation of Momentum

Read Chapter 7-2 Conservation of Momentum, page 173

Consider the ‘head-on’ collision of two balls as shown at

right. We assume that the net external force on this system
is zero – that is, the only significant forces during the
collision are the forces that each ball exerts on the other.
Although the momentum of each of the two balls changes
as a result of the collision, the sum of their momenta is
found to be the same before as after the collision. If 𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑣𝑣𝐴𝐴
is the momentum of ball A and 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑣𝑣𝐵𝐵 is the momentum of
ball B, both measured just before the collision, then the
total momentum of the two balls before the collision is the
vector sum 𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑣𝑣𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑣𝑣𝐵𝐵 .

Immediately after the collision, the balls each have a different velocity and momentum, which is shown
as a ‘prime’ on the velocity: 𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑣𝑣′𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑣𝑣′𝐵𝐵 . The total momentum after the collision is the vector sum
𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑣𝑣′𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑣𝑣′𝐵𝐵 . No matter what the velocities and masses are, experiments show that the total
momentum before the collision is the same afterward, whether the collision is ‘head-on’ or not, as long
as no external force acts on the system.

momentum before = momentum after

𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑣𝑣𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑣𝑣𝐵𝐵 = 𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑣𝑣′𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑣𝑣′𝐵𝐵

In the real world, external forces do act: friction on billiard balls, gravity on tennis balls, and so on. So we
want our “observation time” (before and after) to be small. When a racket hits a tennis ball or when a bat
hits a baseball, both before and after the “collision” the ball moves as a projectile under the action of
gravity and air resistance. However, when the bat or racket hits the ball, during this brief time of the
collision those external forces are insignificant compared to the collision force the bat or racket exerts on
the ball. Momentum is conserved (or very nearly so) and long as we measure 𝑝𝑝𝐴𝐴 and 𝑝𝑝𝐵𝐵 just before the
collision, and 𝑝𝑝′𝐴𝐴 and 𝑝𝑝′𝐵𝐵 immediately after the collision. We cannot wait for the external forces to
produce their effect before measuring 𝑝𝑝′𝐴𝐴 and 𝑝𝑝′𝐵𝐵 .

The general statement of the law of conservation of momentum is:

The total momentum of an isolated system of objects remains constant.

By a system, we simply mean a set of objects that we choose, and which may interact with each other.
An isolated system is one in which the only significant forces are those between the objects in the
system. If there are external forces – forces exerted by objects outside the system – and they do not add
up to zero, then the total momentum of the system will not be conserved.

For example if we take our system as a falling rock, it does not conserve momentum because an
external force, the force of gravity exerted by the earth, accelerates the rock and changes its momentum.
However, if we include the earth in the system, the total momentum of rock plus earth is conserved. This
means that the earth comes up to meet the rock. But the earth’s mass is so great, its upward velocity is
very small.

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 15

Ex. #15 Railroad cars collide: momentum conserved
A 1.00 × 104 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 railroad car A travelling at a speed of 24.0 ms-1 strikes an identical car B at rest.

a) If the cars lock together as a result of the collision, what is their common speed just afterward?

mA vA + mB vB = mA vA′ + mB vB′

⇒ (1 × 104 × 24) + 0 = 1 × 104 vA′ + 1 × 104 vA′ ( vA′ = vB′ as they are locked together)
⇒ 24 × 104 = 2 × 104 vA′
⇒ vA′ = 12 ms-1

b) In the above example, if 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 = 3𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 , what would their common speed be?

mA vA + mB vB = mA vA′ + mB v′

⇒ 1 × 10 4 × 24 = 1 × 10 4 v′A + 3 × 10 4 vA′
⇒ 24 × 10 4 = 4 × 10 4 vA′
⇒ vA′ = 6 ms-1 - slows down a significantly

c) In the above example, if 𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 = 3𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 , what would their common speed be?

mA vA + mB vB = mA vA′ + mB v′

⇒ 3 × 104 × 24 = 3 × 10 4 vA′ + 1 × 10 4 vA′

⇒ 72 x 10 4 = 4 × 10 4vA′
⇒ vA′ = 18 ms-1 – slows down a little

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 16

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #16
A 50.0 kg child runs off a dock at 2.0 ms-1 horizontally
and lands in a waiting rowboat of mass 150 kg. At
what speed does the rowboat move away from the
dock?
Draw a sketch to represent the problem.
(B= Boat, C = Child )
pi = pf
mC vC + mB vB = mC vC′ + mB vB′ where vC′ = vB′
(50 × 2) + 0 = (50 + 150) vB′
100
⇒ vB′ =
200
= 0.50 ms-1

Ex. #17 Rifle recoil

Calculate the recoil velocity of a 5.0 kg rifle that shoots a
0.020 kg bullet at a speed of 620 ms-1.
( B = Bullet, R = Rifle )
pi = pf ′
mB vB + mR vR = mB vB′ + mR vR′
Both are at rest initially
⇒ 0 + 0 = (0.02 × 620) + ( 5 × vR′ )
(0.02×620)
vR′=
5
= - 2.5 ms-1 the rifle moves in opposite direction to the bullet - it “kicks back.”

Ex. #18 Falling off or on a sled

Conceptual Question
(a) An empty sled is sliding on frictionless ice when Susan
drops vertically from a tree down onto the sled. When she
lands, does the sled speed up, slow down, or keep the same
speed? Explain.
(b) Later: Susan falls sideways off the sled. When she drops
off, does the sled speed up, slow down, or keep the same
speed? Explain.

(a)

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

(b)

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Problems Booklet C: 1-3

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 17

6.7 Elastic & Inelastic Collisions in One Dimension

We saw in the previous section that in a collision between two

objects such as billiard balls, the total momentum is conserved. If
the two objects are very hard and no heat or other energy is
produced in the collision, then the total kinetic energy of the two
objects is the same after the collision as before. For a brief
moment during which the two objects are in contact, some (or all)
of the energy is stored momentarily in the form of elastic
potential energy.

We can therefore say that the total kinetic energy is conserved.

Such a collision is called an elastic collision.

𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 = 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎

1 1 1 2 1 2
𝑚𝑚 𝑣𝑣 2 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑣𝑣𝐵𝐵 2 = 𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑣𝑣′𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑣𝑣′𝐵𝐵
2 𝐴𝐴 𝐴𝐴 2 2 2

At the atomic level the collisions of atoms and molecules are elastic. But in the “macroscopic” world of
ordinary objects, an elastic collision is an ideal that is never quite reached, since at least a little thermal
energy is always produced during a collision (also perhaps sound and other forms of energy).

The collision of two hard elastic balls, such as billiard balls, is very close to being perfectly elastic, and
we often treat it as such.

We do need to remember that even when kinetic energy is not conserved, the total energy is always
conserved.

Collisions in which kinetic energy is not conserved are said to be inelastic collisions. The kinetic
energy that is lost is changed into other forms of energy, often thermal energy, so that the total energy
(as always) is conserved.

In this case,

𝐸𝐸𝐾𝐾𝐴𝐴 + 𝐸𝐸𝐾𝐾𝐵𝐵 = 𝐸𝐸′𝐾𝐾𝐴𝐴 + 𝐸𝐸′𝐾𝐾𝐵𝐵 + 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒

The inverse can also happen when potential energy (such as elastic, chemical or nuclear) is released, in
which case the total kinetic energy after the interaction can be greater than the initial kinetic energy.
Explosions are examples of this type.

If two objects stick together as a result of a collision, the collision is said to be perfectly (or completely)
inelastic. Two railroad cars that couple together when they collide are examples of perfectly inelastic
collisions. The kinetic energy in some cases is all transformed to other forms of energy in an inelastic
collision, but in other cases only part of it is.

In a collision between two objects, the change in momentum for each mass will always be equal in size
and opposite in direction.
∆p1 = - ∆p2

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 18

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #19
A 4.0 kg mass travels at 2.0 ms-1 to the right. It collides 4.0 kg 2.0 kg
with a 2.0 kg mass which travels at 3.0 ms -1 to the left. 2.0 ms-1 3.0 ms-1

Afterwards the 4.0 kg mass recoils left at 1.0 ms-1.

(a) Use conservation of momentum to calculate the final
velocity of the smaller mass.
mA vA + mB vB = mA vA′ + mB vB′ 4.0 kg 2.0 kg
( 4 × 2 ) - ( 2 × 3 ) = (-4 × 1 ) + ( 2 × vB′ )
8 – 6 = -4 + 2 vB′
6 = 2 vB′ 1.0 ms-1 ?
vB′ = 3 ms -1 (to the right)

(b) Calculate the change in momentum for the 4.0 kg mass.

Δp = mA ( vA′ - vA)
= 4 (- 1 -2)
= -12 kgms-1

(c) Calculate the change in momentum of the 2.0 kg mass.

Δp = mB ( vB′ - vB )
= 2 (3- -3)
= +12 kgms-1

(d) Comment on your last two answers.

Both objects have the same change in momentum but in the opposite direction.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Momentum is transferred from object A to object B.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

(e) Calculate the total kinetic energy before the collision.

1 1 1 1
𝐸𝐸𝑘𝑘 = 𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑣𝑣𝐴𝐴2 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑣𝑣𝐵𝐵2 = × 4 × 22 + × 2 × 32
2 2 2 2
= 8 + 9 = 17 J

(f) Calculate the total kinetic energy after the collision, and the change in kinetic energy.

1 1 1 1
𝐸𝐸𝑘𝑘 = 𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑣𝑣′𝐴𝐴2 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑣𝑣′2𝐵𝐵 = × 4 × 12 + × 2 × 32
2 2 2 2
=2+9
= 11 J

(g) Where has the kinetic energy gone? What type of collision was this?
Kinetic energy transferred to noise and heat. This is an inelastic collision.

Problems Booklet C: 4,5,6,8,9.

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 19

The “Ballistic Pendulum”

The ballistic pendulum is a device used to measure the speed of a projectile such as a bullet.
The projectile of mass m is fired into a large block or sand bag of mass M, which is suspended like a
pendulum. (Usually M is somewhat greater than m.) As a result of the collision, the pendulum and
projectile together (the projectile comes to rest inside the large block) swing up to a maximum height h.

Measurements of this height could be used to calculate the projectile’s velocity.

What quantity is conserved during the collision between the projectile and sand bag? Write an equation to
show this conservation.
Momentum is conserved, but not kinetic energy – a lot of heat and noise is produced!
pi = pf ⇒ m v = ( m + M) v′
EK initial ≠ EK final

What quantity is conserved as the bullet and sand bag move sideways and upwards to some maximum
height h? Write an equation to show this conservation.

Energy is conserved.
There is no opportunity for kinetic energy to be transferred to heat.
1
2
(𝑚𝑚 + 𝑀𝑀)𝑣𝑣 ′ 2 = (𝑚𝑚 + 𝑀𝑀)𝑔𝑔ℎ
⇒ v′ = �2𝑔𝑔ℎ
⇒ v’ is independent of mass

Problems Booklet C: 16.

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 20

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #20
A pellet of mass 𝑚𝑚𝑏𝑏 is fired from a toy gun and travels at v ms-1
into a cardboard tube of mass 𝑀𝑀. After the collision the pellet and
cardboard tube rise through a vertical distance of ℎ mm after the
collision. The length 𝐿𝐿 of the string supporting the cardboard tube
is 400 mm.
Measure 𝑀𝑀, 𝑚𝑚𝑏𝑏 and the horizontal distance 𝑑𝑑 moved by the
cardboard tube after the collision.

a) Record 𝑀𝑀 and show your calculations to find the mass of

one pellet 𝑚𝑚𝑏𝑏 . Also, show your calculations to find the
horizontal distance 𝑑𝑑 moved by the tube, and the vertical
distance ℎ moved by the cardboard tube after the collision.

𝑀𝑀 = 19.2 𝑔𝑔
𝑚𝑚𝑐𝑐 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 29.6 𝑔𝑔
𝑚𝑚𝑏𝑏 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝?
30𝑚𝑚𝑏𝑏 + 𝑚𝑚𝑐𝑐 = 35.7 𝑔𝑔
∴ 𝑚𝑚𝑏𝑏 = 0.203 𝑔𝑔

𝐿𝐿 = 400 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
(𝐿𝐿 − ℎ)2 = 𝐿𝐿2 − 𝑑𝑑2 = 0.4002 − 0.1082 𝑥𝑥1 = 14.2 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
∴ 𝐿𝐿 − ℎ = 0.38514 𝑚𝑚 𝑥𝑥2 = 25.0 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
… and ℎ = 𝐿𝐿 − (𝐿𝐿 − ℎ) = 0.014856 𝑚𝑚 ⇒ ~15 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 ∴ ∆𝑥𝑥 = 10.8 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 𝑑𝑑

b) What was the initial horizontal speed 𝑣𝑣 of the pellet as it left the toy gun?

𝑚𝑚𝑏𝑏 ⋅ 𝑣𝑣 = (𝑚𝑚𝑏𝑏 + 𝑀𝑀)𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 and 𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = �2𝑔𝑔ℎ

(𝑚𝑚𝑏𝑏 +𝑀𝑀)�2𝑔𝑔ℎ �0.203×10−3 +19.2×10−3 �⋅√2×9.80×0.014856

∴ 𝑣𝑣𝑏𝑏 = 𝑚𝑚𝑏𝑏
= 0.203×10−3
= 51.493 ⇒ 51.5 𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 −1

c) Calculate the change in kinetic energy of the system. (Compare the kinetic energies before and after
the collision.) Calculate the percentage (%) loss in kinetic energy.
1 1
𝐸𝐸𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 = 𝑚𝑚𝑏𝑏 𝑣𝑣 2 = × 0.203 × 10−3 × 51.4932 = 0.26913 𝐽𝐽
2 2
1 1
𝐸𝐸𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 = (𝑚𝑚𝑏𝑏 + 𝑀𝑀)𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 2 = × (0.203 × 10−3 + 19.2 × 10−3 )(2 × 9.80 × 0.014856) = 2.8249 × 10−3 𝐽𝐽
2 2
∆𝐸𝐸𝑘𝑘 = 𝐸𝐸𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝐸𝐸𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 = −0.26631 ⇒ −0.266 𝐽𝐽

∆𝐸𝐸𝑘𝑘 −0.26631
% 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 = 𝐸𝐸𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
= = −0.98950 ⇒ 99.0% 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙!
0.26913

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 21

6.8 Collisions in Two Dimensions
Read Chapter 7-7 Collisions in Two Dimensions, page 182

Conservation of momentum and energy can also be applied to collisions in two or three dimensions,
where the vector nature of momentum is especially important.

One common type of non ‘head-on’ collision is that in which a moving object (called the projectile) strikes
a second object initially at rest (the target). This is the common situation in games such as billiards and
pool, and for experiments in atomic and nuclear physics.

The diagram below shows the incoming projectile mA heading along the x axis toward the target object
mB which is initially at rest. If these are billiard balls, mA strikes mB not quite ‘head-on’ and they go off at
angles 𝜃𝜃′𝐴𝐴 and 𝜃𝜃′𝐵𝐵 which are measured relative to mA’s initial direction (the x axis).

There are two solutions to solving this type of situation.

1. To consider that momentum is conserved in both the x axis direction and also in the y axis direction
and to calculate these momenta separately, i.e. to solve by vector components.
2. To use a ‘momentum vector diagram’ to show that momentum is conserved.

In the example over the page we will show both of these solutions. But first try this….!

Ex. #21
Conceptual Example
A model rocket travels as a projectile in a parabolic path after its
first stage burns out. At the top of its trajectory, where its velocity
points horizontal to the right, a small explosion separates it into
two sections with equal masses. One section moves straight
down, with no horizontal motion. What is the direction of the
motion of the other part just after the explosion?

A. Up and to the left

B. Straight up
C. Up and to the right

C - The piece that moves down has had a change of momentum to

the left and down, so the other piece must have an equal and
opposite change of momentum, to the right and up.

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 22

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #22
A small compact car with a mass of 1000 kg is traveling
north on Morewood Avenue with a speed of 15 ms-1. At the
intersection of Morewood and Fifth Avenue, it collides with
a truck with a mass of 2000 kg that is traveling east on Fifth
Avenue at 10 ms-1.
a) Treating each vehicle as a particle, find the total
momentum just before the collision.

pB = 2000 × 10 = 20,000 kgms -1 →

pA = 1000 × 15 = 15,000kgms -1 ↑
p total = pA + pB (vector addition)
⇒ 𝑝𝑝𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 = �𝑝𝑝𝐴𝐴2 + 𝑝𝑝𝐵𝐵2
=�15,0002 + 20,0002
= 25,000

𝑝𝑝 20
𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 𝑝𝑝𝐵𝐵 ⇒ 𝜃𝜃 = 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡−1 � �= 53.1°
𝐴𝐴 15
⇒ p Total = 25,000 kgms -1 @ 53° E of N

b) It is now 2 seconds later, the collision has occurred. All occupants were wearing seatbelts, and there
were no injuries, but the two vehicles became thoroughly tangled and moved away from the point of
impact as one mass. The insurance adjuster has asked you to help find the velocity of the wreckage
just after the impact.

Initial momentum = final momentum = total momentum

p total = ( mA + mB) v center of mass
25000
⇒ v com = = 8.333
(1000+2000)
= 8.3 ms-1 @ 53° E of N

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 23

Ex. #23 Ten-pin bowling
Ten-pin bowling is a popular social pastime, where a bowling ball is
launched down a lane at a target of ten 2.5 kg “pins” or skittles.
The aim is to knock down the pins in as few bowling attempts as
possible.
In one attempt the bowling ball of mass 8.0 kg is travelling at
2.60 ms-1. It makes a head-on (linear) collision with the stationary
closest pin and causes the pin to be knocked down the bowling
lane at 3.60 ms-1.
After:
a). Calculate the velocity of the bowling ball immediately after the
collision. v ms-1

3.60 ms-1

b). This would have been an inelastic collision.

(i) Explain what this means.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(ii) Show using calculations that the collision was inelastic.

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 24

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

In another attempt, the bowling ball makes a glancing collision with the first 2.5 kg pin it hits. The
diagram below shows the motion of the components immediately before and immediately after the
collision.

Before: After:

8.0 kg 4.15 ms-1

4.50 ms-1 15.0°

8.0 kg
θ

2.5 kg

2.5 kg

c). Calculate the velocity, 𝑣𝑣 of the 2.5 kg pin immediately after the collision (magnitude and direction).

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 25

d). Using a vector diagram, find the magnitude of the change in momentum of the 8.0 kg bowling ball.

e). Hence describe the change in momentum of the 2.5 kg pin compared with the change in momentum
of the 8.0 kg bowling ball after the collision.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

f). State the direction of the impulse on the 8.0 kg bowling ball.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

g). During the collision the bowling ball and pin were in contact for 0.036 of a second. Calculate the
average force on the pin when they were in contact.

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 26

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #24 The plastic toy robot

A stationary plastic toy robot of mass 450 g explodes
into three pieces, as shown.
mA = 240 g vA = 12 ms-1
mB = 150 g vB = 15 ms-1

a). Draw a momentum vector diagram showing how

the momentum of the three masses add
together.

b). Find the momentum of piece C after the explosion.

c). Find the velocity of piece C after the explosion.

Note: the point “ x “ is where the explosion happened.

𝑝𝑝𝐴𝐴 = 0.240 × 12 = 2.88 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 −1

𝑝𝑝𝐵𝐵 = 0.150 × 15 = 2.25 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 −1

Draw as vectors 𝑝𝑝𝐴𝐴 + 𝑝𝑝𝐵𝐵 + 𝑝𝑝𝐶𝐶 = 0

⇒ 𝑝𝑝𝐶𝐶 = −𝑝𝑝𝐴𝐴 − 𝑝𝑝𝐵𝐵

⇒ 𝑝𝑝𝐶𝐶 = �𝑝𝑝𝐴𝐴2 + 𝑝𝑝𝐵𝐵2

= √2.882 + 2.252
= 3.6547
= 3.65 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 −1

2.88
𝛼𝛼 = 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡−1 � � = 52°
2.25
𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑝𝑝𝐶𝐶 = 𝑚𝑚𝐶𝐶 𝑣𝑣𝐶𝐶 ⇒ 3.6547 = 0.060𝑣𝑣𝐶𝐶
3.6547
⇒ 𝑣𝑣𝐶𝐶 = = 60.91
0.060
= 60.9 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1 @ 52° 𝑆𝑆 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑊𝑊

Note that vC is much greater than vA and vB, seeing mC is much less than mA and mB.
We can generalise by saying the smallest particles produced in an explosion are the fastest moving.

[Answer: (b) 3.65 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑠𝑠 −1 @ 52° (c) 60.9 𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 −1 @ 52° ]

Problems Booklet C: 10,12

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 27

Ex. #25 The rising block
A gun fires a bullet vertically into a 1.40 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 block of wood at rest on a thin
horizontal sheet. If the bullet has a mass of 25.0 𝑔𝑔 and a speed of
230 𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 −1, how high will the block rise into the air after the bullet becomes
embedded in it?

[Answer: 0.831 𝑚𝑚 ]

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 28

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #26 A collision on an inclined plane

A block of mass 𝑚𝑚 = 2.50 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 slides down a 30.0° incline which is 3.60 𝑚𝑚 high. At the bottom, it strikes a
block of mass 𝑀𝑀 = 7.00 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 which is at rest on a horizontal surface. (Assume a smooth transition at the
bottom of the incline.) If the collision is elastic, and friction can be ignored, determine (a) the speeds of
the two blocks after the collision, and (b) how far back up the incline the smaller mass will go.

[Answer: (a) 𝑣𝑣 ′ 𝑚𝑚 = 3.98 𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 −1 , 𝑣𝑣 ′ 𝑀𝑀 = 4.42 𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 −1 (b) 1.62 𝑚𝑚 ]

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 29

6.9 Centre of Mass
Read Chapter 7-8 Centre of Mass (CM), page 184

Momentum is a powerful concept not only for analysing collisions but

also for analysing the translational motion of real extended objects.
Until now, whenever we have dealt with the motion of an extended
object (that is, an object that has size), we have assumed that it could
be approximated as a point particle or that it undergoes only
translational motion. Real extended objects, however, can undergo
rotational and other types of motion as well.

For example, the diver in diagram (a) at right undergoes only

translational motion (all parts of the object follow the same path),
whereas the diver in diagram (b) undergoes both translational and
rotational motion.

Even if an object rotates, or several parts of a system of objects move

relative to one another, there is one point that moves in the same path
that a particle would if subjected to the same net force. This point is
called the centre of mass (abbreviated CM).

As an example, consider the motion of the centre of mass of the diver in

diagram (b); the CM follows a parabolic path even when the diver
rotates, as shown. This is the same parabolic path that a projected
particle follows when acted on only by the force of gravity (projectile
motion, Topic 2). Other points in the rotating diver’s body, such as her
feet or head, follow more complicated paths.

The diagram below shows a wrench acted on by zero net force, translating and rotating across a smooth
horizontal surface. The CM, marked with a red cross, moves in a straight line because no net force acts
on the wrench.

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 30

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

We can consider any extended object as being made up of many tiny particles. But first we consider a
system made up of only two particles (or small objects), of masses 𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 and 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 . We choose a coordinate
system so that both particles lie on the x axis at positions 𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 and 𝑥𝑥𝐵𝐵 .
Take moments about origin:
(𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑔𝑔 𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑔𝑔 𝑥𝑥𝐵𝐵 ) = (𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 ) 𝑔𝑔 𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶

(𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑥𝑥𝐵𝐵 )

⇒ 𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 =
(𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 )

The centre of mass of this system is defined to be at the position 𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 , given by:
𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑥𝑥𝐵𝐵 𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑥𝑥𝐵𝐵
𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = =
𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑀𝑀
where 𝑀𝑀 = 𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 and is the total mass of the system. The centre of mass lies on the line joining 𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴
and 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 .
If one mass is greater than the other, then the centre of mass is closer to the larger mass.
If there are more than two particles along a line, there will be additional terms:

𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑥𝑥𝐵𝐵 + 𝑚𝑚𝐶𝐶 𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶 +⋯ 𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑥𝑥𝐵𝐵 + 𝑚𝑚𝐶𝐶 𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶 +⋯
𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = =
𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 + 𝑚𝑚𝐶𝐶 +⋯ 𝑀𝑀

To find the position of the centre of mass, follow the steps:

1. Draw a reference line (the y axis in the diagram above) near or through one of the masses.
2. Write down the distances from each mass to the reference line.
3. Calculate the position of the CM using the formulae above.

Ex. #27
Find the position of the centre of mass using the two reference line
positions shown.
Method One

(4×1)+(8×4)
𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 =
(4+8)
36
=
12
= 3.0 𝑚𝑚 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙
= 2.0 𝑚𝑚 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑡𝑡 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 4.0 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

Method Two

(4×0)+(8×3)
𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 =
(4+8)
24
=
12
= 2.0 𝑚𝑚 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑡𝑡 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 4.0 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
⇒ same result

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 31

Ex. #28
Find the position of the centre of mass of the
following system of masses.
16.0 kg
12.0 kg
(12×0)+(4×6)+(16×14) 4.0 kg
𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 =
(12+4+16)
= 7.75 𝑚𝑚 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑡𝑡 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 12.0 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

= 1.75 𝑚𝑚 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑡𝑡 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 4.0 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

6.0 m 8.0 m

A concept similar to centre of mass is centre of gravity (CG). An object’s

CG is that point at which the force of gravity can be considered to act. The
force of gravity actually acts on all the different parts or particles of an
object, but for the purposes of determining the translational motion of the
object as a whole, we can assume that the entire weight force acts at the
CG. There is a conceptual difference between the centre of gravity and the
centre of mass, but for nearly all practical purposes, they are at the same
point.

Note: There would be a difference between the CM and CG only in the unusual
case of an object so large that the acceleration due to gravity g was
different at different parts of the object.

Give an example of this. Is the CG above or below the CM?

On the building shown, the acceleration due to gravity is less higher
………………………………………………………………………………
up the building. Hence the force due to gravity on the upper portion
………………………………………………………………………….......
is less than the lower portion, making the center of gravity below the
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
center of mass.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

For nearly all practical purposes, we may therefore define the position of the centre of mass:

An object’s centre of mass is that point at which the force of gravity can be considered to act.

A ruler is an example of a uniform body. A uniform body has a constant cross-section and is made of
homogenous material throughout.

Where is the centre of mass of a uniform

body?
in the center!
…………………………………………………

…………………………………………………

…………………………………………………

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 32

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #29 Centre of Mass of three guys on a raft

(similar to Example 7-12, page 185)

Three people of roughly equal mass m sit on a plastic air-

filled “banana boat”. They sit along the x axis at positions
𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 = 1.0 𝑚𝑚, 𝑥𝑥𝐵𝐵 = 5.0 𝑚𝑚, and 𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶 = 6.0 𝑚𝑚, measured from
the left hand end as shown. The mass of the banana boat
is 0.20 m and is assumed to be distributed uniformly along
its length which is 6.8 m. Find the position of the centre of
mass of the system.

6.8
𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑥𝑥 =
2
= 3.4 𝑚𝑚 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒
(𝑚𝑚×1.0)+(0.2𝑚𝑚×3.4)+(𝑚𝑚×5.0)+(𝑚𝑚×6.0)
𝑟𝑟𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 =
(3𝑚𝑚+0.2𝑚𝑚)
12.68𝑚𝑚
= 3.9625 ⇒ 4.0 𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑥𝑥 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
3.2𝑚𝑚

Calculate the centre of mass of the above system taking the origin at the driver (𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶 = 0) on the right. Is
the physical location of the centre of mass the same?

(𝑚𝑚×0)+(𝑚𝑚×1.0)+(0.2𝑚𝑚×(6−3.4))+(𝑚𝑚×5.0)
𝑟𝑟𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = (3𝑚𝑚+0.2𝑚𝑚)
6.52𝑚𝑚
= 2.0375 ⇒ 2.0 𝑚𝑚 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑟𝑟 = 6.0𝑚𝑚
3.2𝑚𝑚
𝑤𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖ℎ 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 4.0 𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑥𝑥 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎, 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏. 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟

For a non-uniform body like a baseball bat or hammer,

where is the CoM?

The CoM will be closer to the more massive part of the system – for example, closer to the thicker end of
a baseball bat.

Knowing the CoM of the body when it is in various positions

is of great use in studying body mechanics. One simple
example from athletics is shown at right. If high jumpers can
get into the position shown, their CM can pass below the bar
which their bodies go over, meaning that for a particular take
off speed, they can clear a higher bar. This is indeed what
they try to do.

[Answer: 3.9625 m on x axis]

Problems Booklet D: 1-4.

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 33

6.10 Velocity of Centre of Mass
The total momentum of a system is the same as the momentum of the centre of mass.

Since the total momentum is conserved, the momentum of the centre of mass is also conserved.

“The centre of mass continues to move in the same direction and at the same speed before
and after collisions and explosions.”

Ex. #30
A mass of 5.0 kg is moving with a speed of 0.50 ms-1 towards a mass of 3.0 kg at rest on a smooth
surface.

a). When the 5.0 kg mass is 2.0 m from the stationary mass, how far from the 5.0 kg mass is the CoM
of the system?
b). What is the speed of the CoM of the system? Calculate how far this CoM moves in one second.
c). If the two masses move along together after the collision, what is their common speed?
d). How does the velocity of the CoM before the collision compare with the velocity of the CoM after
the collision?
𝛴𝛴 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 (𝑚𝑚1 𝑟𝑟1 +𝑚𝑚2 𝑟𝑟2 ) (5×0)+(3×2)
a) 𝑟𝑟𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = = (𝑚𝑚 )
= = 0.75 𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑡𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 5 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝛴𝛴 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 1 +𝑚𝑚2 (5+3

b) 5 kg mass moves 0.50 m in 1.0 s ⇒ mass separation = 1.5 m

𝛴𝛴 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 (𝑚𝑚1 𝑟𝑟1 +𝑚𝑚2 𝑟𝑟2 ) (5×0)+(3×1.5)
𝑟𝑟 ′ 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = = (𝑚𝑚 +𝑚𝑚 )
= = 0.5625 𝑚𝑚
𝛴𝛴 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 1 2 (5+3

So we can calculate that the CoM has moved

(0.5625 + 0.5) − 0.75 = 0.3125 𝑚𝑚 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 1.0 𝑠𝑠
⇒ 𝑣𝑣𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = 0.3125𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1

c) 𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑖 = 𝑝𝑝𝑓𝑓
⇒ 𝑚𝑚1 𝑣𝑣1 + 𝑚𝑚2 𝑣𝑣2 = (𝑚𝑚1 + 𝑚𝑚2 ) 𝑣𝑣𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶
(5× 0.5) + 0 = (3+5) 𝑣𝑣𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶
2.5
⇒ 𝑣𝑣𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = = 0.3125 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1
8

d) Velocity of the center of mass before and after the collision is the same because of conservation of
momentum.

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 34

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

The velocity of the centre of mass of a system is given by:

Σ 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑚𝑚1 𝑣𝑣1 + 𝑚𝑚2 𝑣𝑣2 + ⋯

𝑣𝑣𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = =
Σ 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚1 + 𝑚𝑚2 + ⋯

Consider two masses that have collided.

Another way to look at the same solution is to presume that the two masses stick together after the
collision and to then calculate their combined velocity.

𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑖 = 𝑝𝑝𝑓𝑓
⇒ 𝑚𝑚1 𝑣𝑣1 + 𝑚𝑚2 𝑣𝑣2 = (𝑚𝑚1 + 𝑚𝑚2 ) 𝑣𝑣𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶

Presume that the masses stick together for the purpose of this calculation only!

Ex. #30
Two masses 4.0 kg and 3.0 kg are travelling to the right along a frictionless surface with speeds
12.0 ms-1 and 5.0 ms-1.

a). What is the velocity of their CoM?

b). If the 3.0 kg mass continues to move in the same direction after the collision at 10.0 ms-1; what will
be the velocity of the 4.0 kg mass?
c). What is the velocity of the CoM after the collision?
d). What is the change in momentum of each mass?

𝛴𝛴 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 (𝑚𝑚1 𝑣𝑣1 +𝑚𝑚2 𝑣𝑣2 ) (4×12)+(3×5) 63

a) 𝑣𝑣𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = = (𝑚𝑚1 +𝑚𝑚2 )
= = = 9.0 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1
𝛴𝛴 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 (4+3) 7

b) 𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑖 = 𝑝𝑝𝑓𝑓
⇒ 𝑚𝑚1 𝑣𝑣1 + 𝑚𝑚2 𝑣𝑣2 = 𝑚𝑚1 𝑣𝑣 ′1 + 𝑚𝑚2 𝑣𝑣 ′ 2
⇒ (4 × 12) + (3 × 5) = (4 × 𝑣𝑣 ′1 ) + (3 × 10)
⇒ 33 = 4 𝑣𝑣 ′1
33
⇒ 𝑣𝑣 ′1 = = 8.25 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑡𝑡. 𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
4

c) 9.00 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1 (𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 𝑐𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎)

d) 𝛥𝛥𝑝𝑝1 = 𝑝𝑝1𝑓𝑓 − 𝑝𝑝1𝑖𝑖 = (4 × 8.25) − (4 × 12) = −15 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1(a change to the left, it slows down)
𝛥𝛥𝑝𝑝2 = 𝑝𝑝2𝑓𝑓 − 𝑝𝑝2𝑖𝑖 = (3 × 10.0) − (3 × 5.0) = +15 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1(a change to the right, it speeds up)

The two masses have the same magnitude change in momentum, but in the opposite direction.

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 35

Ex. #31
A 20.0 kg mass and a 4.0 kg mass approach each other on a frictionless surface as shown.

a). Find the velocity of the centre of mass before the collision.

𝛴𝛴 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 (𝑚𝑚1 𝑣𝑣1 +𝑚𝑚2 𝑣𝑣2 ) (20×5)+(4×−7) 72

𝑣𝑣𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = = (𝑚𝑚1 +𝑚𝑚2 )
= = = 3.0 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑡𝑡
𝛴𝛴 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 (20+4) 24

b). If the velocity of the 4.0 kg mass changes by 12 ms-1 to the right, find the velocity of the
20.0 kg mass after the collision.

𝛥𝛥𝑣𝑣2 = 𝑣𝑣2𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 − 𝑣𝑣2𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 ⇒ 12 = 𝑣𝑣2𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 − (−7) ⇒ 𝑣𝑣2𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 = +5 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1

𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑖 = 𝑝𝑝𝑓𝑓
⇒ 𝑚𝑚1 𝑣𝑣1 + 𝑚𝑚2 𝑣𝑣2 = 𝑚𝑚1 𝑣𝑣 ′1 + 𝑚𝑚2 𝑣𝑣 ′ 2
⇒ (20 × 5) + (4 × −7) = (20 × 𝑣𝑣 ′1 ) + (4 × 5)
⇒ 72 = 20𝑣𝑣 ′1 + 20
52
⇒ 𝑣𝑣 ′1 = = 2.6 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟ℎ𝑡𝑡
20

c). Use your answer to part (b) to show that the velocity of the centre of mass has not changed.
𝛴𝛴 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝑣𝑣𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 =
𝛴𝛴 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

(𝑚𝑚1 𝑣𝑣1 +𝑚𝑚2 𝑣𝑣2 ) (20×2.6)+(4×5) 72

= (𝑚𝑚1 +𝑚𝑚2 )
= (20+4)
= = 3.0 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −1 , 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏𝑏
24

e). Is the collision elastic or inelastic?

1 1
𝐸𝐸𝐾𝐾𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 = 𝑚𝑚1 𝑣𝑣12 + 𝑚𝑚2 𝑣𝑣22
2 2
1 1
= × 20 × 52 + × 4 × (−7)2
2 2
= 250 + 98 = 348 𝐽𝐽
1 1
𝐸𝐸𝐾𝐾𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 = 𝑚𝑚1 𝑣𝑣′12 + 𝑚𝑚2 𝑣𝑣′22
2 2
1 1
= × 20 × 2.62 + × 4 × (5)2
2 2
= 67.6 + 50 = 117.6 𝐽𝐽

The total kinetic energy has reduced from 348 J to 118 J. The collision is not elastic.
Momentum has been conserved. Kinetic energy has not been conserved.

Problems Booklet E: 1-5,7,8. (especially #2, which tracks two objects as they move)

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 36

 Physics Semester 2, 2019 – TOPIC NOTES

Ex. #32 The “skeet” – the clay target

Extra for Experts!
A 0.25 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 skeet (clay target) is fired at an angle of 28° to the horizontal with a speed of 25 𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 −1 . When it
reaches the maximum height, ℎ, it is hit from below by a 15 𝑔𝑔 pellet travelling vertically upward at a
speed of 230 𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 −1. The pellet is embedded in the skeet. (a) How much higher, ℎ′ , does the skeet go up?
(b) How much extra distance, ∆𝑥𝑥, does the skeet travel because of the collision?

[Answer: 8.6 m, 38 m]

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 37

Glossary of Terms – Linear Momentum
Centre of mass A convenience point where all the mass of that body or mechanical system is
effectively located.

Center of Gravity The point at which the force of gravity can be considered to act on an object.

Conservation of linear momentum

The total momentum of an isolated system of objects remains constant.

Elastic Collision A collision in which kinetic energy is conserved.

Impulse The change in momentum of an object resulting from a force applied for a given
time.

Inelastic Collision A collision in which kinetic energy is not conserved. Some is converted to other
forms such as heat and sound.

Isolated System A system of objects in which the only significant forces are those between the
objects in the system.

Momentum The quantity that changes when a net force is applied to a body.

Newton’s 2nd law F = ma, the net force is equal to the rate of change of momentum.

Total Momentum The vector sum of the momentum of each object in a system of objects.

Velocity of Center of Mass

The centre of mass continues to move in the same direction and at the same
speed before and after collisions and explosions

Formulae – Linear Momentum

Δ𝑝𝑝 = 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹

𝑝𝑝 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼𝐼 = 𝐹𝐹Δ𝑡𝑡

𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑣𝑣𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑣𝑣𝐵𝐵 = 𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑣𝑣′𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑣𝑣′𝐵𝐵

𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑥𝑥𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑥𝑥𝐵𝐵 + 𝑚𝑚𝐶𝐶 𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶 + ⋯

𝑥𝑥𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 =
𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 + 𝑚𝑚𝐶𝐶 + ⋯

𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 𝑣𝑣𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 𝑣𝑣𝐵𝐵 + 𝑚𝑚𝐶𝐶 𝑣𝑣𝐶𝐶 + ⋯

𝑣𝑣𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 =
𝑚𝑚𝐴𝐴 + 𝑚𝑚𝐵𝐵 + 𝑚𝑚𝐶𝐶 + ⋯

Topic 6: Linear Momentum © UP International College New Zealand Page 38