Show Menu
Cheatography
  1. Home >
  2. Education >

Momentum - Physics 12 - Unit 2 Cheat Sheet by

A comprehensive cheat sheet covering key concepts, formulas, and problem-solving tips for the Momentum unit in high school physics. Includes linear momentum, impulse, conservation of momentum, and elastic vs. inelastic collisions. It’s written based on how I was taught, so some variables or notation might differ slightly from other resources. Perfect for quick reference during study or review before tests and exams.

Formulas

p=mv
Δp=mΔv=FnetΔt
Σpi=Σpf

To Remember

Coordinate System needed
Draw it out if you need it
Remember you have to do x and y comp
List out all the values on the side write them all out - label angles too
i.e. mA=5.0kg | vAix=4.0m/s | vAfx=2.0m/s cos 30° | vAfy=2.0m/s sin 30° | mB=7.0kg | mB=0m/s | vBf=?
When dealing with inelas­tic­/stick together objects, remember they are one thing - combined
 

Key Concepts

A state is a possible config­uration that a system can exist in accordance with the laws of physics.
Phase space contains all the config­ura­tion.
Determ­inistic is when you know where you came from (the past) and where you are going next (the future) if you know where you are at the present.
Momentum - p - unit - kg • m/s
Impulse - Δp = change in momentum

Collisions

Elastic Collisions
p and Ek are conserved - perfectly bounce off of each other
 
Σpi=Σpf and ΣEki = ΣEkf
 
unreal­istic irl - nothing is lost thru sound/­hea­t/etc.
Inelastic Collisions
p is conserved, Ek isn't - stick together
 
Σpi=Σpf and ΣEki ≠ ΣEkf
Explosion
explodes into multiple pieces
 
Σpi=Σpf and ΣEki ≠ ΣEkf
                                               
 

Metadata

  • Languages:
  • Published: 30th May, 2025

Comments

No comments yet. Add yours below!

Add a Comment

Your Comment

Please enter your name.

    Please enter your email address

      Please enter your Comment.

          Related Cheat Sheets

          Mechanics Cheat Sheet
          Alvl P1: work, energy and power (ch6) Cheat Sheet
          Alvl P2: circular motion (ch10) Cheat Sheet