The Student Room Group

Impulse Phrase Meaning

Magnitude of the impulse on each object is the same for both elastic and inelastic collisions what does this even mean?

Impulse = change in momentum

So does this mean I = mv - mu

Dont both objects have to be the same for the collision.
Just conservation of momentum... there's never any leftover momentum or momentum going missing under any conditions.

with two colliding objects A and B it's clear that A is pushing on B for the same amount of *time* that B is pushing on A

also the force A exerts on B is the same magnitude as the *force* B exerts on A (Newton 3rd law)

Impulse is the product of force and time so the impulse is the same magnitude
Original post by Joinedup
Just conservation of momentum... there's never any leftover momentum or momentum going missing under any conditions.

with two colliding objects A and B it's clear that A is pushing on B for the same amount of *time* that B is pushing on A

also the force A exerts on B is the same magnitude as the *force* B exerts on A (Newton 3rd law)

Impulse is the product of force and time so the impulse is the same magnitude


Thank you explained very well

Quick Reply

Latest