« Previous | Next »
Learning Objectives
- Explain the concept of momentum for a single particle.
- Explain idea of impulse: vector nature, why is this physical quantity important, and how it is related to other physical quantities such as force.
- Be able to apply impulse and changing momentum to problems involving the motion of a single object.
Preparation
Course Notes
Notes: Momentum (PDF - 1.5MB)
Suggested Textbook Reading (Optional)
Chapter 8.1. Young, Hugh D., Roger A. Freedman, and A. Lewis Ford. Sears and Zemansky's University Physics: with Modern Physics. 12th ed. San Francisco, CA: Addison-Wesley, 2007. ISBN: 9780805321876.
Lecture Video
Video Excerpts
Watch the following excerpts from the Physics I lecture videos:
Flash and JavaScript are required for this feature.
Learning Activities
Guided Activities
Read through the class slides carefully. They explain all of the concepts from the module.
Slides: Momentum and Impulse (PDF)
Self-Assessment
Do the Concept Questions first to make sure you understand the main concepts from this module. Then, when you are ready, try the Challenge Problems. If you are struggling with the Challenge Problems, watch the Homework Help Session videos, which will give you tips on how to tackle problems of this type.
Concept Questions
Concept Questions (PDF)
Solutions (PDF)
Challenge Problems
Challenge Problems (PDF)
Solutions (PDF - 1.7MB)
Problem Solving Help
In the following videos Prof. Walter Lewin explains how to approach the Challenge Problems.
Help Session 1
{'English - US': '/courses/physics/8-01sc-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-2010/momentum/momentum-and-impulse/help-session-1/MmTRBuHjijU.srt'}
Help Session 2
{'English - US': '/courses/physics/8-01sc-physics-i-classical-mechanics-fall-2010/momentum/momentum-and-impulse/help-session-2/VVVaNpO6RUY.srt'}
Related Resources
There are countless resources available online to help you learn physics. Try these:
- Read the Physics material on Connexions:
- Read through the materials on HyperPhysics:
« Previous | Next »