Momentum & Collision Questions: Equation & SI Units, Elastic, Inelastic

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Momentum is defined by the equation p = mv, where p represents momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity, with SI units being kg·m/s. An elastic collision is characterized by the conservation of both momentum and kinetic energy, while an inelastic collision conserves momentum but not kinetic energy. In a completely inelastic collision, the colliding objects stick together post-collision, which is a key distinction from general inelastic collisions. Momentum is conserved in elastic, inelastic, and completely inelastic collisions, but mechanical energy is only conserved in elastic collisions. The discussion encourages participants to engage with the questions before seeking assistance.
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1. What is the equation that defines momentum?
2. Using the equation for momentum, derive the SI units of momentum. Hint: In this Information Age, it should be easy to check your answer.
3. What is meant by an elastic collision?
4. What is meant by an inelastic collision?
5. What happens for a completely inelastic collision that doesn’t happen for an inelastic collision, in general?
6. According to your textbook, indicate whether momentum is expected to be conserved for each of the following types of collisions: elastic, inelastic, completely inelastic.
7. According to your textbook, indicate whether mechanical energy is expected to be conserved for each of the following types of collisions: elastic, inelastic, completely inelastic.
 
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The original poster is encouraged to attempt some of the questions first. THEN people can give help.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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