Momentum, impulse, and power definitions

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the definitions and distinctions between momentum, impulse, and power within the context of physics, specifically emphasizing their relevance to dynamics rather than kinematics. Momentum refers to the quantity of motion an object possesses, impulse is the change in momentum resulting from a force applied over time, and power measures the rate at which work is done. The conversation highlights the common confusion between kinematics and dynamics, noting that kinematics focuses on motion without considering forces or mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, including force and energy.
  • Familiarity with the principles of kinematics and dynamics.
  • Knowledge of the definitions and applications of momentum and impulse.
  • Basic grasp of power as a measure of work done over time.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical formulas for momentum and impulse in physics.
  • Explore the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration in dynamics.
  • Study the concept of work and its relation to power in mechanical systems.
  • Examine real-world applications of momentum and impulse in collision scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion and forces in dynamics.

pavadrin
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Hey,
This may seem as stupid query for you people out there, but I would like to know if somebody would be able to spare a moment or two in explaining to me what the terms:
momentum
impulse
power
mean/refer to in the study of kinematics. Thank you heaps for your kindness, time and effort for reply to this post,
Pavadrin
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try google, type in "define: momentum" etc. and it will display a range of definitions from the web :smile:
 
 
Last edited by a moderator:
thanks Hootenanny for the advice and Astronus for the links, your help is greatly appriciated :smile:
 
none of those terms have anything to do with the study of kinematics. They have something to do with the study of dynamics.
 
leright said:
none of those terms have anything to do with the study of kinematics. They have something to do with the study of dynamics.
Good point.

I think some people confuse the two terms "kinematics" and "dynamics".

In physics, kinematics is the branch of mechanics concerned with the motions of objects without being concerned with mass or the forces that cause the motion, whereas dynamics is concerned with the forces that affect motion.

Kinematics is concerned with accelerations, but not the forces or mass related to the accelerations, so it deals with time and space (displacement).
 

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