Elastic Collisions in One Dimension (AS)

Elastic Collisions in One Dimension (AS)

Conservation of Momentum

• Conservation of Momentum: The total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after the collision, providing no external forces are applied.
• Elastic Collision: In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Impulse

• Change in Momentum: Impulse, or the change in momentum, equals force multiplied by the duration the force is applied.
• Force-Time Graph: The area under the graph of Force against Time is equal to the impulse given to an object.

Coefficient of Restitution

• e Value: The coefficient of restitution (e) is the ratio of the relative speed of separation to relative speed of approach post and prior to collision.
• Type of Collision: In a perfectly elastic collision e = 1 and in a perfectly inelastic collision e = 0.

Solving Momentum and Impulse Problems

• Component Breakdown: For complex problems involving momentum and impulse, break down the motion into perpendicular components and apply principles separately.
• Vector Representation: Represent momentum and impulse as vectors and resolve them into components when necessary.

Conservation Principles

• Newton’s Laws: Understand the mathematical proofs of conservation of momentum and impulse by using Newton’s second and third laws.
• Practice: Continuously practise, apply, and solve problems involving conservation of momentum.