11/5/08

Post date: Nov 05, 2008 2:16:17 AM

Bell Activity: What is momentum?

• • Introduction to Momentum

    • If you are going to be hit by a ball...

      • Would you prefer it to move fast or slow?

      • Would you prefer a baseball or a bowling ball?

    • Momentum is a measure of how much tendency an object has to keep its motion

    • Momentum depends on the velocity of the object and it's mass

    • Equation for momentum: p = mv, or momentum = mass times velocity

    • Unit for momentum is kg*m/s, read "kilogram meter per second"

    • Example: The momentum of an 80 kg biker moving at 5 m/s is (80kg)*(5m/s) = 400 kg*m/s

  • Practice: Page 178, problem 1 (We will also do 2-4 later, and turn all 4 in)

    • p = mv practice problems on overhead due Thursday (may also be found in "handouts" section of this web site)

Page 178: 1-4 Due Friday