Guiding Questions

Question

1. What is the difference between momentum and inertia?
2. How do Newton's laws apply to the momentum of an object?
3. What is impulse, and why is it important?
What is the law of conservation of momentum?

Answer each question in order, answer in very short sentences, and in bold words

Answer 1

1. Momentum is the product of an object’s mass and velocity, while inertia is the property that resists changes in motion.

2. Newton's laws imply that force equals the change in momentum over time, linking force, mass, and acceleration.

3. Impulse is the change in momentum resulting from a force applied over time; it's important because it helps analyze collisions and impacts.

4. The law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant, provided no external forces act on it.