Practice Test GeeksAP Practice Test
← All AP Flashcard Decks

Physics: Momentum, Impulse & Collisions Flashcards

7 cards from real AP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Physics: Momentum, Impulse & Collisions flashcards as text

  1. What is the momentum of a 5 kg object moving at 10 m/s?

    Answer: 50 kg·m/s

    Momentum p = mv = 5 kg × 10 m/s = 50 kg·m/s.

  2. The impulse-momentum theorem states that the net impulse on an object equals:

    Answer: The change in momentum

    The impulse-momentum theorem states J = Δp, meaning impulse equals the change in momentum.

  3. A net force of 100 N acts on a 0.5 kg ball for 0.05 s. What is the magnitude of the impulse?

    Answer: 5 N·s

    Impulse J = FΔt = 100 N × 0.05 s = 5 N·s.

  4. Which of the following is a vector quantity?

    Answer: Momentum

    Momentum p = mv is a vector because it has both magnitude and direction, following the direction of velocity.

  5. A 2 kg object increases its velocity from 3 m/s to 7 m/s. What impulse was applied?

    Answer: 8 N·s

    Impulse J = mΔv = 2 kg × (7 − 3) m/s = 8 N·s.

  6. Why do airbags reduce injury in car crashes?

    Answer: They increase the time over which the impulse acts, reducing the average force

    Since J = FΔt = Δp, a longer collision time Δt means a smaller average force F for the same impulse, reducing injury.

  7. A net force of 20 N acts on a 4 kg object for 3 seconds. What is the resulting change in velocity?

    Answer: 15 m/s

    J = FΔt = 20 × 3 = 60 N·s; Δv = J/m = 60/4 = 15 m/s.