Description
Define linear momentum and work through the calculus and vector skills AP Physics C Mechanics students need: momentum as p = mv, momentum components in 2D, momentum from a position function (derivative), momentum from an x–t graph, and the total momentum of a system. We also see why a system of moving objects can have zero total momentum while its kinetic energy is not zero.
In this video:
0:00 Why can moving objects have zero total momentum? (hook)
0:50 Defining linear momentum
2:53 Momentum is a vector (components, magnitude, direction)
4:11 Example: a momentum vector
5:19 Example: who has the most momentum?
6:39 Momentum from a position function (calculus)
8:55 Momentum from an x–t graph and change in momentum
11:26 Momentum of a system
14:32 Example: blocks on a pulley
16:09 Zero momentum does not mean zero motion
Download the guided notes and practice problems for this unit at houstonscience.com.
Part of the AP Physics C: Mechanics Unit 4 (Linear Momentum) series.