AP Physics C: Mechanics 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 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
State the relationship between net force and momentum in its derivative form.
The relationship is expressed as $\vec{F}_{net}=\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}$, meaning the net force is the time derivative of the momentum.
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State the relationship between net force and momentum in its derivative form.
The relationship is expressed as $\vec{F}_{net}=\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}$, meaning the net force is the time derivative of the momentum.
What is the mathematical expression for impulse in terms of force and time?
The equation for impulse is $\vec{J}=\int_{t_{1}}^{t_{2}}\vec{F}_{net}(t)dt$, representing the integral of the net force over a time interval.
State the impulse-momentum theorem.
The impulse-momentum theorem states that the impulse delivered to an object or system is equal to the change in momentum of that object or system ($\vec{J}=\Delta\vec{p}$).
What physical quantity is equivalent to the change in an object's momentum?
The impulse delivered to the object or system is the physical quantity equivalent to its change in momentum.
If the net impulse on a system is zero, what can be concluded about its momentum?
If the net impulse is zero, the change in momentum ($\Delta\vec{p}$) is also zero, meaning the system's momentum is conserved.
On a graph of Net Force vs. Time, what does the area under the curve represent?
The area under a Net Force vs. Time graph represents the total impulse delivered, which is also equal to the object's change in momentum.
What is impulse?
Impulse is defined as the integral of a net external force exerted on an object or system over a specific time interval.
How is the net external force on a system related to its momentum?
The net external force exerted on a system is equal to the rate of change of the system's momentum.
To achieve the greatest change in momentum, what two factors related to the net force should be maximized?
To maximize the change in momentum, one must maximize the magnitude of the net external force and the time interval over which that force is applied.
How can you use the impulse-momentum theorem to explain why 'following through' is important in sports like baseball or golf?
Following through increases the time interval ($\Delta t$) during which the force is applied to the ball, which increases the impulse and results in a greater change in momentum (and thus a higher final velocity).