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Unit 4: Linear Momentum

Conservation of Linear Momentum

Choose a system whose total momentum is constant, use the center-of-mass velocity, and solve for velocities right before and after collisions and explosions.

Topic 4.3 · 9 min read

This lesson comes with the AP Physics C: Mechanics plan

In this lesson

  1. 01A system's momentum is the momentum of its center of mass
  2. 02Internal forces move momentum around but cannot change the total
  3. 03Choosing the system decides whether momentum is constant
  4. 04Before and after a collision or explosion
  5. 05Worked examples
  6. 06Where students lose points

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