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Brainlag Learn / GCSE Physics

Momentum

Momentum as mass times velocity, its conservation in collisions and explosions, force as the rate of change of momentum, safety features and kinetic energy in collisions (Higher tier).

Lessons

  1. Momentum, p = mvWhat momentum is, how to calculate it with p = mv, and why its direction matters. 20 min, with the Momentum and collisions simulation, free, Higher tier
  2. Conservation of momentum in collisionsIn a closed system the total momentum before a collision equals the total after, whether the objects stick together or bounce apart. 25 min, with the Momentum and collisions simulation, free, Higher tier
  3. Explosions and recoilWhen things start at rest and fly apart, the total momentum stays zero, so the pieces move off with equal and opposite momentum. 20 min, Plus, Higher tier
  4. Force and the rate of change of momentumA force changes momentum; the longer the change takes, the smaller the force. That is how crumple zones, airbags, helmets and crash mats protect you. 25 min, Plus, Physics only, Higher tier
  5. Collisions and kinetic energyMomentum is always conserved, kinetic energy only sometimes. Compare kinetic energy before and after to tell an elastic collision from an inelastic one, then analyse trolley and light gate data. 25 min, with the Momentum and collisions simulation, Plus, Higher tier

Practise and test

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