1.1 Momentum and impulse

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Momentum

Momentum = mass x velocity

Symbol is p. Unit is kgms-1.

It is a vector quantity, the direction is that of the object's velocity.

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Newton's laws of motion

Newton's 1st law of motion = an object's momentum will remain the same, unless acted on by a resultant force.

Newton's 2nd law of motion = the rate of change of momentum is proportional to the resultant force on it.

The force is proportional to the rate of change in momentum i.e Newton's 2nd law, therefore:

(http://latex.codecogs.com/gif.latex?F%20%3D%20%5Cfrac%7B%5CDelta%20mv%7D%7B%5CDelta%20t%7D)

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Impulse

The impulse is the force x time for which the force acts.

(http://latex.codecogs.com/gif.latex?Impulse%20%3D%20F%5CDelta%20t%20%3D%20%5CDelta%20mv)

Units are Ns.

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Force- time graphs

The area under the line of a force-time graph = impulse of the force.

This is because it is the force x time.

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