GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Colliding & Sticking Calculations

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Forces Momentum

Colliding & Sticking Calculations

7:57 Using the Conservation of Momentum
Spec 4.5.7.2
Previous Conservation of Momentum Calculations Next Pressure from a Fluid
  • When two objects stick and move together, they can be treated as a single object with combined mass.
  • Momentum is the product of mass and velocity and remains constant in a closed system.
  • Total momentum before a collision equals total momentum after a collision.
  • Given velocities and masses before and after a collision, missing information like post-collision velocity can be calculated.
  • Example: Two balls with masses M1 and M2, velocities U1 and U2, stick together after a collision.
  • Velocity and momentum are vectors; consider direction (positive or negative).
  • Total momentum is M1U1 + M2U2 before collision and (M1 + M2)V after collision.
  • Use conservation of momentum to solve for unknowns.
  • Example problem: Two trolleys, 4 kg and 3 kg, with speeds 5 m/s and 2 m/s, collide and stick together.
  • Calculate speed of joined trolley using conservation of momentum.
  • Steps: Sketch diagram, calculate total momentum before collision, use conservation principle, calculate joined mass, rearrange momentum equation, calculate speed.
  • Final speed of joined trolley is 2 m/s.

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