Ch 12: Linear Momentum Principles
About This Chapter
Linear Momentum Principles - Chapter Summary
Use this chapter to study the relationship between mass, velocity and momentum. You can also review methods for measuring changes in momentum and apply the law of conservation of momentum to elastic and inelastic collisions. You'll even get practice finding unknown values when presented with variables for both collision types.
To wrap up your study of linear momentum, check out lessons covering the characteristics of isolated systems and the differences between the center of mass and the center of gravity. Topics of instruction include:
- Linear momentum and impulse
- Conservation of linear momentum
- Elastic and inelastic collisions
- Isolated systems
- Center of mass
- Center of gravity
This chapter's video lessons include fun illustrations as well as practice problems to help you remember important linear momentum concepts. You'll also find transcripts if you'd prefer a written format, as well as multiple-choice quizzes to give you extra problem-solving opportunities. Our experienced instructors are also available to answer any question you might have about these linear momentum topics.

1. Linear Momentum: Definition, Equation, and Examples
Any moving object has momentum, but how much momentum it has depends on its mass and velocity. In this lesson, you'll identify linear momentum, as well as see examples of how an object's momentum is affected by mass and velocity.

2. Momentum and Impulse: Definition, Theorem and Examples
To understand how a change in momentum affects an object, we look to impulse. In this lesson, you'll understand how impulse describes an object's change in momentum, as well as how changing the force or time of the impulse can have very different outcomes.

3. Conservation of Linear Momentum: Formula and Examples
The law of conservation of momentum tells us that the amount of momentum for a system doesn't change. In this lesson, we'll explore how that can be true even when the momenta of the individual components does change.

4. Elastic and Inelastic Collisions: Difference and Principles
When objects come in contact with each other, a collision occurs. In this lesson, you'll learn about the two types of collisions as well as how momentum is conserved in each.

5. Analyzing Elastic & Inelastic Collisions
In this lesson, you'll have the chance to explore the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions, and use that knowledge to solve problems. Lesson topics will include equations and theories related to momentum.

6. Isolated Systems in Physics: Definition and Examples
Systems are important to understand when studying physics, but they are not always easy to describe. In this video lesson, you'll identify isolated systems and understand what makes them unique.

7. Understanding the Center of Mass & Center of Gravity
After watching this video, you will be able to explain the difference between center of mass and center of gravity and give examples of situations where they would be different. A short quiz will follow.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the College Physics: Help & Review course
- Scientific Inquiry
- Formulating Scientific Questions
- Planning a Scientific Investigation
- Observation and Data Collection
- Data Analysis and Graphing
- Drawing and Explaining Conclusions
- Safety During Science Experiments
- Scientific Ethics
- Motion and Newton's Laws
- Kinematic Equations in Physics
- Properties of Rotational Motion
- Oscillations
- Work, Energy and Power
- Heat and Thermodynamics
- Characteristics of Waves
- Electrical & Magnetic Forces
- Electric Potential & Capacitance
- Physics Circuits
- Magnetic Forces and Fields
- Quantum Mechanics and the Standard Model
- Science Literacy
- Diversity in Science
- Historical Perspectives in Physics
- Science, Technology and Beliefs