Mechanics: Momentum and Collisions

Momentum and Collisions: Audio Guided Solution

Problem 4:

Jerome plays middle linebacker for South's varsity football team. In a game against cross-town rival North, he delivered a hit to North's 82-kg running back, changing his eastward velocity of 5.6 m/s into a westward velocity of 2.5 m/s.

a. Determine the initial momentum of the running back.
b. Determine the final momentum of the running back.
c. Determine the momentum change of the running back.
d. Determine the impulse delivered to the running back.

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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