Episode 219: Preparation for momentum topic
Teaching Guidance
for 16-19
- Level Advanced
Students can develop a feel for momentum through experimentation. However, it is only by dealing with it mathematically that they can see the power of prediction which comes from the principle of conservation of momentum.
Main aims of this topic
Students will:
- understand the term momentum, and the principle of conservation of momentum
- investigate momentum changes experimentally
- solve numerical problems involving collisions and explosions
- gain experience with suitable equipment for measuring speed e.g. motion sensors, light gates
Prior knowledge
Students should have a simple understanding of Newton’s three laws of motion both at a conceptual and a mathematical level. They should also be able to calculate energy stored kinetically.
They will also need to be familiar with measuring velocities in an experimental context.
Where this leads
Momentum is a vital concept in mechanics, and any application of physics which involves motion or collisions. This stretches from the most obvious examples of snooker balls and traffic accidents, through pile drivers, bullet-proof vests and laser-induced fusion.
Momentum is in some ways fundamental. When considering quantum physics, students will meet the idea that light has momentum (but it doesn’t make any sense to use the classical physics definition of mv for light that by definition travels at the speed of light, so Einstein’s Relativity theory is needed).
When considering sub-atomic particles, they may use the equation KE = p 22m. They will also learn how the momentum of a particle can be read from the curvature of its track. Combining this with the energy from a calorimeter gives the mass and hence the identity of the particle.
