Conservation of Momentum
Conservation of Momentum
Section titled “Conservation of Momentum”Momentum is conserved in a closed system (no external forces).
Total momentum before collision equals total momentum after collision.
High-Risk Misconceptions
Section titled “High-Risk Misconceptions”- Moment ≠ Momentum
- Impulse ≠ Force
- Airbags reduce force by increasing impact time (stopping time)
- Momentum is conserved in closed systems
- Force depends on stopping time
Language Traps
Section titled “Language Traps”- Avoid mixing the words “moment” and “momentum”.
- Use “change in momentum” in explanations involving impulse.
- Do not use “impact force” without explaining what happens to impact time.