Mechanics: Momentum and Collisions
Momentum and Collisions: Audio Guided Solution
Problem 1:
Determine the momentum of …
a. … an electron (m= 9.1 x10-31 kg) moving at 2.18 x 106 m/s (as if it were in a Bohr orbit in the H atom).
b. … a 0.45 Caliber bullet (m = 0.162 kg) leaving the muzzle of a gun at 860 m/s.
c. … a 110-kg professional fullback running across the line at 9.2 m/s.
d. … a 360,000-kg passenger plane taxiing down a runway at 1.5 m/s
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a. 2.0 x 10-24 kg•m/s
b. 140 kg•m/s (rounded from 139 kg•m/s)
c. 1.0 x 103 kg•m/s
d. 5.4 x 105 kg•m/s
b. 140 kg•m/s (rounded from 139 kg•m/s)
c. 1.0 x 103 kg•m/s
d. 5.4 x 105 kg•m/s

- Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
- Identify the known and unknown quantities in an organized manner. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity - e.g., m = 1.50 kg, vi = 2.68 m/s, F = 4.98 N, t = 0.133 s, vf = ???.
- Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
- Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
- Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
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Get more information on the topic of Momentum and Collisions at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.
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