mfb said:
Momentum is a measure of an object's motion and is defined as the product of its mass and velocity. In AP Physics, momentum is usually represented by the symbol p and has units of kg*m/s.
Impulse is the change in momentum of an object and is equal to the force applied to the object multiplied by the time it is applied. In AP Physics, this can be represented by the equation J = FΔt. Therefore, impulse and momentum are directly related.
In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved. This means that after the collision, the objects involved will have the same total momentum and total kinetic energy as before the collision. In an inelastic collision, only momentum is conserved, and some kinetic energy is lost in the form of heat or sound.
The coefficient of restitution, also known as the elasticity coefficient, is a measure of how much kinetic energy is conserved in a collision. It is calculated by dividing the relative velocity of separation by the relative velocity of approach, or e = vsep/vapp. A perfectly elastic collision would have a coefficient of restitution of 1, while a completely inelastic collision would have a coefficient of restitution of 0.
Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. In AP Physics, power is usually represented by the symbol P and has units of watts (W). It is calculated by dividing work by time, or P = W/t. This means that the greater the power, the faster work is being done or energy is being transferred.
