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Physics Ninja: Mastering Impulse, Momentum, and Collisions

Name: Physics Ninja: Mastering Impulse, Momentum, and Collisions
Rating: 4.8 (44 reviews)

Comprehensive course including lectures and problem solving tutorials.

Created byEric Meloche, Ph.D.

Last updated 6/2025

English

What you'll learn

Students will be able to solve a wide variety of problems dealing with impulse, momentum, and collision problems
How to setup up problems dealing with collisions
Difference between elastic and inelastic collisions
Learn how to apply the Impulse-Momentum Theorem

Course content

8 sections • 60 lectures • 6h 9m total length

Introduction: Definition of Momentum1:37
Momentum as a vector quantity3:22
Momentum and Newton's Second Law3:16
Momentum vs Kinetic Energy4:33
Change of Momentum: Ball vs Bear4:43
Example: Change of Momentum of a Cart2:16

Introduction to a System2:25
Conservation of Momentum7:58
Example: Calculating the momentum of a system2:17
Example Conservation of Momentum: Archer and Arrow Problem6:03
Types of Collisions - Definitions2:25
Perfectly Inelastic Collisions3:19
Example: Perfectly Inelastic Collision4:14
Example: The Getaway Cart3:05
Example: Collision Between an SUV and a Car7:35
Elastic Collisions2:35
Two - Dimensional Collisions9:52
Example: 2D Inelastic Collision at an Intersection7:41
Example: 2D Elastic Collision between Billiard Balls15:08
Collisions Problems with Springs7:01

Derivation of the final velocities of both objects14:25
1-Dimensional Collision between a Tennis Ball and a Basketball9:07
In this video we apply the previous equations to a collision between a tennis ball and a basketball. We assume that the collision is perfectly elastic and that the mass of the basketball is much greater than the tennis ball.
1D Elastic Collision Problem - Swinging Pendulum14:28

Introduction to Problem Set0:40
The conceptual and short problems are located in the pdf attachment of this video. Try the problems on your own then watch the video solutions. Good luck!
Solutions: Concept Problems 1 and 25:01
Solutions: Concept Problems 3 and 43:04
Solutions: Concept Problems 5 and 62:35
Solutions: Concept Problems 7 and 86:37
Solutions: Concept Problems 9 and 104:15
Solutions: Concept Problems 11and 122:14
Solutions: Concept Problems 13 and 145:09
Solutions: Concept Problems 15 and 163:47

Introduction to Problem Set0:28
Solutions: Final Set Problems 1 and 28:26
Solutions: Final Set Problems 3and 45:02
Solutions: Final Set Problems 5 and 66:28
Solutions: Final Set Problems 7 and 86:16
Solutions: Final Set Problems 9 and 107:06
Solutions: Final Set Problems 11 and 126:10
Solutions: Final Set Problems 13 and 1411:29
Solutions: Final Set Problems 15 and 166:44
Solutions: Final Set Problems 17 and 1812:16
Solutions: Final Set Problems 19 and 2011:53

Exploding Projectile Problem16:27
This is a problem often found in momentum chapters of physics textbooks. I consider a projectile that explodes once it reaching the maximum height. I consider the case where the initial projectile has a mass 2m and it explodes into 2 fragments, each of mass m. One of the fragments stops and falls immediately below the explosion point. The other segment travels farther. This problem can be solved using projectile motion or position of the center of mass. Both approaches are presented.
Ballistic Pendulum Problem16:22
In this problem i review the ballistic pendulum. I use conservation of momentum to find the velocity of the Block and bullet system immediately after the collision. I also use convervation of energy after the collision to relate the maximum height of the block+bullet to the initial kinetic energy of the bullet. This is a standard problem found in most physics textbooks.

Requirements

Basic physics knowledge: vectors
Able to calculate the area under a curve for basic shapes

Description

This comprehensive course covers impulse, momentum, and conservation of linear momentum.

The course combines lectures that summarize the important concepts and tutorials that will guide you and help you develop a problem-solving strategy. You'll learn how to apply conservation of momentum principles to study collisions.

Topics included in this class are:

1) Linear Momentum and Newton's 2nd Law

2) Calculating Impulse and Average Forces

3) Conservation of Linear Momentum

4) Kinetic Energy of a System

5) Collisions in 1-Dimension

6) Collisions in 2-Dimensions

7) Rocket Propulsion: Thrust Force and Speed

There are over 40 fully solved problems ranging in difficulty. I've mixed in many conceptual problems as well as algebraic problems to help you practice applying energy principles to solve problems.

By the end of this class, you will have the confidence to tackle any momentum problem in your class.

If at any point you don't understand something in my videos please feel free to reach out. I'm always willing to help someone learn. Physics Ninja always has your back!

Happy Learning and I truly hope you enjoy this class. I've put a lot of work putting this coursework together.

Dr. E.,

Physics Ninja and Expert Physics and Math Teacher.

Who this course is for:

High school physics students
AP physics students
College physics students
University physics students
Anyone who wants to learn more about collisions

Physics Ninja: Mastering Impulse, Momentum, and Collisions

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction6 lectures • 20min

Impulse - Momentum Theorem: Tutorial and Problem Set10 lectures • 37min

Collisions14 lectures • 1hr 22min

Variable Mass Problems5 lectures • 45min

1D elastic collision - a deeper dive3 lectures • 38min

Problem Set for Conceptual Problems9 lectures • 33min

Final Problem Set on Momentum and Collisions11 lectures • 1hr 22min

Advanced Problems: Combining Momentum and Energy2 lectures • 33min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: