Conservation of Momentum (Leaving Cert Applied Maths): Flashcards

Total momentum remains constant when no external forces act

$p = mv$

kg m/s

Change in momentum

$I = \Delta p = p_f - p_i$

Newton-seconds (Ns)

$I = F \times \Delta t$

Equal in magnitude, opposite in direction

Total momentum before = Total momentum after

Apply conservation separately to x and y components

Vector

At the instant of change

Objects stick together after collision

$p$ = momentum, $m$ = mass, $v$ = velocity