Mathematics and Physical Sciences Department

GED0081L- College Physics 1 Lab

COLLEGE PHYSICS 1 LABORATORY ACTIVITY 1

ACTIVITY 9: Conservation of Momentum

ESSAY:

The study of physics reveals a fascinating interplay of forces and motion, and one of the
fundamental principles governing these interactions is the conservation of momentum. When
objects collide, their states of motion undergo transformations that are intricately linked to
changes in kinetic energy and momentum. Momentum, the product of mass and velocity, is a
key player in these scenarios, and its conservation provides profound insights into the dynamics
of collisions. This essay explores the concept of momentum, its conservation, and the
distinctions between elastic and inelastic collisions. Before delving into the conservation of
momentum, it's crucial to understand what momentum entails. Momentum (p) is defined as the
product of an object's mass (m) and its velocity (v). Mathematically, this relationship is
expressed as. This simple yet powerful equation encapsulates the inherent motion of an object,
with mass determining the quantity of motion, and velocity specifying its direction and speed.
In the realm of collisions, the conservation of momentum emerges as a fundamental principle.
According to this principle, the total momentum of an isolated system remains constant before
and after a collision, provided no external forces are acting on the system. This conservation is
encapsulated in the equation Σinitial=ΣfinalΣpinitial=Σpfinal, where the summation represents
the total momentum of the system. While the conservation of momentum is a universal truth in
collisions, the conservation of kinetic energy is an additional layer to consider. In certain
collisions, not only is momentum conserved, but the total kinetic energy of the system also
remains constant. Such collisions are labeled as elastic collisions, and they represent scenarios
where the objects involved rebound without any loss of kinetic energy. Elastic collisions stand
out as textbook examples of the conservation of both momentum and kinetic energy. In these
collisions, not only do the colliding objects exchange momentum, but they also undergo a
reversible deformation and separation without any net loss of kinetic energy. The pristine
conservation of kinetic energy in elastic collisions is exemplified in scenarios like billiard balls
colliding on a frictionless table or gas molecules undergoing elastic collisions in a container.
On the flip side, inelastic collisions deviate from the ideal conservation of kinetic energy. In
these collisions, momentum is conserved, but the kinetic energy of the system is not. Instead,
some of the initial kinetic energy is transformed into other forms, such as internal deformation
or heat. A common example of an inelastic collision is when two vehicles collide, and the
crumpling of metal and generation of heat result in a loss of kinetic energy. The distinction
between elastic and inelastic collisions lies in the qualitative assessment of the system's kinetic
energy before and after the collision. In elastic collisions, the kinetic energy of the system is the
same before and after the collision, providing a clear demarcation. In inelastic collisions,
however, the post-collision kinetic energy is lower than the initial kinetic energy, indicating the
dissipation of energy into other forms. Understanding the conservation of momentum and the
nuances between elastic and inelastic collisions holds immense practical significance. In the
realm of automotive safety, the dynamics of collisions play a crucial role in designing effective
safety features. Engineers leverage the principles of momentum conservation to design crumple
zones and airbags that mitigate the impact forces during a collision, safeguarding the occupants
of a vehicle. Moreover, the study of collisions extends its reach to fields like astrophysics, where
celestial bodies interact through gravitational forces. The conservation of momentum is a key
player in predicting the trajectories and behaviors of planets, stars, and galaxies, offering
profound insights into the cosmic dance of celestial entities. The conservation of momentum
stands as a pillar in the understanding of collisions, unraveling the intricate dance of masses and
velocities. Whether manifested in the precision of billiard balls on a table or the cosmic waltz
of celestial bodies, the principles of momentum conservation provide a universal language to
describe the dynamics of interactions. The dichotomy between elastic and inelastic collisions
further enriches our comprehension of energy transformations, emphasizing the nuanced
interplay between kinetic and potential energy in the vast tapestry of the physical world. As we
navigate the complexities of collisions, from microscopic particles to celestial bodies, the
conservation of momentum remains a guiding principle, shedding light on the symphony of
motion that defines our universe.

9.3 Credits
Created by: Physics Cluster
Version: 4.0
Modified: May 2023

9.4 References
Printed References:

Hecht, Eugene (2018). College Physics, McGraw Hill Education

Online References:
Wolfgang, C. (2022) O.S.P Open-Source Physics. Retrieved from
www.opensourcephysics.org
Duffy, Andrew (nd). Physics Simulations. Retrieved from
http://physics.bu.edu/~duffy/classroom.html
Nave, Carl R. (2022), Hyper Physics. Retrieved from www.hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu
The Physics Classroom (2022). The Physics Classroom Tutorial. Retrieved from
www.physicsclassroom.com