Module 2
1. Module 2
1.2. In this Module
Module 2—The Conservation of Momentum in Isolated Systems
In This Module
Lesson 1—Linear Collisions and the Conservation of Momentum
In this lesson you will explore the conservation of momentum in linear collisions. You will explore linear collisions in the context of the following questions:
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Can the complicated details of a linear collision be eliminated during the analysis of an interaction?
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What is the law of conservation of momentum? How can this law be applied?
Lesson 2—Kinetic Energy and Collisions
In this lesson you will explore the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions in terms of energy changes and the conservation of momentum. You will explore elastic and inelastic collisions in the context of the following questions:
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How can the kinetic energy of the objects in a system before and after a collision be used to categorize the type of collision?
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What is the fundamental difference between an elastic and an inelastic collision?
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In a collision between two automobiles, is it better for the occupants if the collision is elastic or inelastic?
Lesson 3—Analyzing Non-Linear Collisions
In this lesson you will apply the conservation principle and component analysis to analyze non-linear collisions. You will explore collisions of this nature in the context of the following questions:
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Is momentum conserved in a non-linear collision?
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How is component analysis applied to solve non-linear collision problems?