Momentum is defined for a particular frame of reference it is the mass times the velocity of the object.Īlignment agreement: Thanks for your feedback! If a system interacts with objects outside itself, the total momentum of the system can change however, any such change is balanced by changes in the momentum of objects outside the system. Use mathematical representations of phenomena to describe explanations.Īlignment agreement: Thanks for your feedback!

This lesson focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS: Use mathematical representations to support the claim that the total momentum of a system of objects is conserved when there is no net force on the system.Ĭlick to view other curriculum aligned to this Performance Expectation Describe how collisions and momentum play an important role in the design of safe automobiles.

Explain that in a closed system, momentum is conserved in both elastic and inelastic collisions.

Recognize that momentum is proportional to mass and velocity.

Calculate the momentum of a moving object.Airbags are another engineering safety improvement to protect passengers from the impact of collisions.Īfter this lesson, students should be able to: A crumple zone is designed into motor vehicles to absorb the main impact of the energy being transferred during a crash, so the people inside don't get hurt. Mechanical engineers consider momentum and collisions when designing vehicles. This unnerving sound can be a good thing if it is the sound of a wonderful safety innovation developed by engineers, called the crumple zone. This engineering curriculum aligns to Next Generation Science Standards ( NGSS).Ĭrunch! That is the sound that you hear when two cars crash into each other. Students can use the associated activities to explore these concepts by bouncing assorted balls on different surfaces and calculating the momentum for each ball. Many sports and games, such as baseball and ping-pong, illustrate the ideas of momentum and collisions. As a continuation of the theme of potential and kinetic energy, this lesson introduces the concepts of momentum, elastic and inelastic collisions.

Red white ball bouncing