The Impulse-Momentum Theorem - Essay Example

1. The impulse-momentum theorem states that the impulse effect on a body is equivalent to its change in momentum.
Based on results obtained in part 1:
Impulse (ft)= o.312 while change in momentum( p)= 0.30
In this case, (ft) is not equal to ( p) and hence the theorem does not hold.

This is because kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy such as heat, sound, and light (sparking). in addition, a lot of energy is consumed when deforming the colliding bodies. In this case, the system contains final energy that is less that the initial.
4. The kinetic energy is lost through energy transformation. In this case, the initial kinetic energy is always greater than the final kinetic energy.

Question 5 (a)
Cart 1
Mass = m
Velocity = v (since the two carts have the same mass ad velocity)
Cart 2
Mass = m
Velocity = v
Total initial momentum = momentum of cart 1 + momentum of cart 2 = mv = mv =2mv
Question 5 (b)
If the momentum of cart 1 is positive (+), then that of cart 2 is negative (-) since it is moving in the opposite direction concerning cart 1.
Therefore, total momentum after collision = mv + (-) mv = mv – mv = 0 Read More