Back to AP® Physics 1: Algebra-Based

Unit 4 of 8

Linear Momentum

Linear Momentum introduces momentum as a vector quantity (p = mv) and impulse as the mechanism that changes it (J = FΔt). This unit covers momentum, impulse and the impulse-momentum theorem, conservation of momentum in isolated systems, and how elastic and inelastic collisions differ in whether kinetic energy is conserved. Conservation of momentum lets you analyze interactions like collisions and explosions without knowing the details of the forces involved.

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