How to calculate the momentum before and after collision?

To calculate the momentum before and after collision, use the equation p=mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity.

Before collision, calculate the momentum of each object separately using their respective masses and velocities. Add the two momenta together to find the total momentum before collision.

After collision, calculate the momentum of each object separately using their respective masses and velocities. Add the two momenta together to find the total momentum after collision.

If the collision is elastic, the total momentum before and after collision will be the same. If the collision is inelastic, the total momentum before and after collision will not be the same.

Example: Two objects with masses of 2kg and 3kg are moving towards each other with velocities of 4m/s and -2m/s respectively. Calculate the momentum before and after collision.

Momentum of object 1 before collision: p1 = m1v1 = 2kg x 4m/s = 8kgm/s
Momentum of object 2 before collision: p2 = m2v2 = 3kg x (-2m/s) = -6kgm/s
Total momentum before collision: p1 + p2 = 8kgm/s - 6kgm/s = 2kgm/s

Assuming an elastic collision, the total momentum after collision will also be 2kgm/s. Let's say the two objects stick together after collision and move with a velocity of v. Then:

Total momentum after collision: (m1 + m2)v = 5kg x v
5kg x v = 2kgm/s
v = 0.4m/s

A-Level Maths Tutor Summary: To work out momentum before and after a collision, use the formula p=mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity. Before the crash, calculate each object's momentum and sum them for the total. After, do the same. If the collision is elastic, total momentum remains constant. In our example, two objects' total momentum before and after an elastic collision is 2kgm/s.