Assignment 17 

The equivalence between the impulse-momentum theorem and conservation of momentum is established.  Momentum is regarded as a vector quantity in two dimensions, with two independent components both of which must be conserved (in an isolated system).  In a lab exercise the work to stretch a rubber band is determined.

In the Introductory Problem Set and in the qa exercise the impulse-momentum theorem is applied to the collision of two objects, and the equivalence of conservation of momentum and the impulse-momentum theorem is established.

The 'seed' problems explore

• the effects of forces during the collision of unequal masses
• components of the weight of a cart on an incline
• the reaction of an incline to a weight moving along it
• the acceleration of a cart on an incline, analyzed in terms of the components of the forces acting on it

In the lab exercise we determine the work to stretch a rubber band vs. its length.

Class Notes topics include

• impulse-momentum and how it is related to conservation of momentum
• miscellaneous problems including projectiles
• impulse of a force as determined from a graph of F vs. t
• comparison of numerical and symbolic reasoning applied to a collision
• momentum in two dimensions

The text assignment continues with the topic of conservation of energy