Mechanics 1: How do you calculate the magnitude of impulse exerted on a particle during a collision of two particles, given their masses and velocities.

Conservation of momentum is the key principle always used in problems of these type. Here, it asks for the impulse, which is a force measured in Newtons, and it is defined as the change in momentum. F=m(v-u). We apply this equation for just one of the particles, plug in its mass (m) and initial velocity (u) and final velocity (v), then take its modulus (positive value of the answer). On a side note, it is useful to know that if we were to calculate the impulse for the other particle involved in the collision, it would give us an equal and opposite answer (this may be used to check if our final answer is correct).

IH
Answered by Ina H. Maths tutor

26725 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the indefinite integral ∫(x^2)*(e^x) dx (Edexcel C4 June 2013 Question 1)


Find all solution to the equation 3tan(x)=8/sin(x) for 0<=x<=360 degrees


Find the area under the curve y = sin(2x) + cos(x) between 0 and pi/2


Find the first derivative of f(x). f(x) = ln(3x^2+2x+1)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning