Mechanics: Momentum and Collisions

Momentum and Collisions: Audio Guided Solution

Problem 1:

Determine the momentum of …

a. … an electron (m= 9.1 x10^-31 kg) moving at 2.18 x 10⁶ m/s (as if it were in a Bohr orbit in the H atom).
b. … a 0.45 Caliber bullet (m = 0.162 kg) leaving the muzzle of a gun at 860 m/s.
c. … a 110-kg professional fullback running across the line at 9.2 m/s.
d. … a 360,000-kg passenger plane taxiing down a runway at 1.5 m/s

Audio Guided Solution

Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

• Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
• Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., m = 1.50 kg, v_i = 2.68 m/s,  F = 4.98 N, t = 0.133 s, v_f = ???.
• Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
• Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
• Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

Read About It!

Get more information on the topic of Momentum and Collisions at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

• Momentum
• Impulse-Momentum Change Equation
• Real World Applications

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