Module 2

Module 2—The Conservation of Momentum in Isolated Systems

Lesson 3—Analyzing Non-Linear Collisions

 

Get Focused

 

Intersections are busy places. So busy that, despite traffic lights, signs, markings, and warnings, vehicles still collide. In the previous lesson the rear-end collision was explored in the context of a linear collision. These types of collisions are common at intersections where vehicles moving in the same direction have to stop periodically. But what happens when vehicles travelling at right angles to one another collide, as in the Module 2 project with Kathy and Bill? What happens to mass, velocity, and momentum in a non-linear interaction, such as a T-bone collision?

 

In this lesson you will apply the law of conservation of momentum and component analysis to analyze non-linear collisions, such as that of Bill and Kathy in the Big Picture.

 

You will explore collisions of this nature in the context of the following questions:

• Is momentum conserved in a non-linear collision?

• How is component analysis applied to solve non-linear collision problems?

• Can it be proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Kathy was moving at the speed limit just prior to the collision described in the accident scenario in the Big Picture?

 

Module 2: Lesson 3 Assignments

 

Your teacher-marked Module 2: Lesson 3 Assignment requires you to submit a response to the following:

• Assignment—A 1, A 2, A 3, and A 4

Remember that these questions provide you with the practice and feedback that you need to successfully complete this course. You should respond to all the questions and place those answers in your course folder.

 

You will also complete your Module 2 Project that you started in the previous lessons and saved to your course folder. The finished project will be submitted to your teacher for marks once you have completed Module 2.

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