Loss of kinetic energy due to oblique impact

Section 1: Understanding Oblique Impact

Learn the meaning of oblique impact, which refers to collisions occurring at an angle and not head-on.
Express understanding that after an oblique collision, objects will generally move off at an angle to their original paths.
Appreciate the complexity of oblique impacts when compared to direct or head-on impacts.

Section 2: Conservation of Linear Momentum

Lead revisions with the principle of Conservation of Linear Momentum, which states that in an isolated system, the total linear momentum remains constant before and after the collision.
Apply the conservation of linear momentum separately to the horizontal and vertical components during oblique collisions.

Section 3: Kinetic Energy in Oblique Impacts

Identify that due to the nature of oblique impacts, there is often a loss of kinetic energy.
Realise that this loss of kinetic energy is usually due to factors such as rotational motion, sound, or heat energy generated during impact.
Remember that even though kinetic energy may not remain constant, linear momentum is still always conserved in oblique impacts.

Section 4: Calculating Loss in Kinetic Energy

Revisit the formula for kinetic energy (KE = 0.5MV²), where M is the mass and V is the velocity.
Understand how to calculate the change in kinetic energy after an oblique collision by subtracting the total initial kinetic energy of the system from the total final kinetic energy.
Learn to use clues within problems to calculate and assess kinetic energy loss.

Section 5: Oblique Collisions Problem-Solving

Develop problem-solving skills for oblique impact questions by practicing sketching diagrams; include the direction and speed of each object before and after the collision, and the angle of collision.
Utilise the box-on-a-slope method to resolve oblique collisions.
Gain confidence in using the conservation of momentum principle and calculations for kinetic energy within oblique collision problems.
Make use of diagrams for clarity, comprehension, and problem-solving, emphasising the importance of indicating the angles at which the objects move after the collision.
Make good use of past paper questions to refine understanding of oblique impact energy loss, and increase confidence for future applications.