Objectives - phys161

chapter 9

Vocabulary

Closed System (also known as an Isolated System), Collision, Conservation Law, Conserved Quantity, Explosion, Impulse, Impulsive Force, Linear Momentum (often called simply Momentum), Angular Momentum, Elastic Collision, Perfectly Inelastic Collision.

Objectives. At this point in the course, the student should

1. Know the definition of linear momentum, and understand that total linear momentum is conserved in any system free from external forces. Be able to calculate the time evolution of the linear momentum of a system not free from external forces.
2. Understand what is meant by the term Impulse, and be able to calculate it given sufficient information.
3. Be able to use the conservation of linear momentum to solve problems involving translation and/or rotation.
4. Understand that there is a relationship between symmetries in nature and conserved quantities. Know the symmetries responsible for conservation of energy, conservation of linear momentum, and conservation of angular momentum.
5. Be comfortable with rotational kinematics in three dimensions. It should be possible for the student to communicate this comfort both algebraically and graphically. In particular, the student should be able to represent rotational quantities as vectors.
6. Know that total angular momentum is conserved in systems in which there is no net external tangential force acting. Be able to apply this concept in the solution of arbitrary problems involving rotation.