sparknotes
Linear Momentum: Conservation of Momentum
Terms and Formulae
Terms
Center of Mass
-
The point at which a given net force acting on the system will produce the same
acceleration as if all the mass were concentrated at that point.
Impulse
-
A force applied over a period of time. See definition of impulse.
Momentum
-
The product of an object's mass and velocity. See definition of momentum.
Conservation of Momentum
-
The principle stating that for any system with no external forces acting on it,
momentum will be conserved.
Formulae
| Position of the center of mass of a system of particles |
x
cm = 
m
n
x
n
|
| Velocity of the center of mass of a system of particles |
v
cm =
m
n
v
n
|
| Acceleration of the center of mass of a system of particles |
a
cm =
m
n
a
n
|
| Acceleration of the center of mass of a system of particles given an external force |
F
ext = Ma
cm
|
| Definition of Impulse | J = FΔt |
| Change in velocity caused by an impulse | J = mv f - mv o |
| Definition of momentum | p = mv |
| Relation between force and momentum |
 =
F
|
| Impulse-Momentum Theorem | J = Δp |
| Definition of the linear momentum of a system of particles | P = Mv cm |
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