AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Change in Momentum and Impulse
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
An average force of 50 N acts on a ball for 0.1 seconds. What is the impulse delivered to the ball?
Using the formula J = F_avgΔt, the impulse is 50 N * 0.1 s = 5 N·s.
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An average force of 50 N acts on a ball for 0.1 seconds. What is the impulse delivered to the ball?
Using the formula J = F_avgΔt, the impulse is 50 N * 0.1 s = 5 N·s.
What type of physical quantity is impulse and what determines its direction?
Impulse is a vector quantity, and its direction is the same as the direction of the net force exerted on the system.
A 2 kg object's velocity changes from 3 m/s to 7 m/s. What impulse was applied?
First, find the change in momentum: Δp = mΔv = 2kg * (7m/s - 3m/s) = 8 kg·m/s. The impulse applied is equal to the change in momentum, so J = 8 N·s.
If an object's momentum changes by 25 kg·m/s, what is the magnitude of the impulse delivered to it?
According to the impulse-momentum theorem (⃗ = Δ⃗), the impulse delivered to the object is equal to its change in momentum, which is 25 kg·m/s or 25 N·s.
How is Newton's second law of motion (F=ma) related to the impulse-momentum theorem?
Newton's second law is a direct result of the impulse-momentum theorem when it is applied to systems that have a constant mass.
If the net impulse on a system is zero, what can be concluded about the system's momentum?
If the net impulse is zero, the change in momentum (Δp) is also zero, meaning the system's momentum is conserved (remains constant).
Why are impulse and change in momentum considered equivalent concepts in physics problems?
They are considered equivalent because the impulse-momentum theorem (⃗ = Δ⃗) states they are mathematically equal; one can always be calculated from the other.
How is the rate of change of momentum defined mathematically?
The rate of change of momentum is defined as the change in momentum divided by the change in time (Δ⃗/Δt), which is equal to the net external force.
To reduce the force of impact in a collision, how should the duration of the collision be changed, assuming a constant change in momentum?
Since Force = Δp/Δt, the duration of the collision (Δt) should be increased to reduce the average force of impact for a given change in momentum.
State the impulse-momentum theorem.
The impulse-momentum theorem states that the impulse exerted on a system is equal to the system's change in momentum (⃗ = Δ⃗).
Write the full equation that defines the impulse-momentum theorem.
The complete equation for the impulse-momentum theorem is ⃗ = ⃗_avgΔt = Δ⃗.
What is impulse?
Impulse is the product of the average net force exerted on a system and the time interval during which that force is exerted, represented by the equation ⃗ = ⃗_avg Δt.
What is the relationship between the impulse exerted on an object and its change in momentum?
The impulse exerted on an object or system is equal to the change in momentum of that object or system.
How is the net external force on a system related to its momentum?
The net external force exerted on an object or system is equal to the rate of change of its momentum, as shown by the equation ⃗_net = Δ⃗/Δt.