Physics Topic: Collisions

  1. recall that impulse is given by the area under the force–time graph for a body and use this to solve problems

  2. state the principle of conservation of momentum

  3. apply the principle of conservation of momentum to solve simple problems including inelastic and (perfectly) elastic interactions between two bodies in one dimension (knowledge of the concept of coefficient of restitution is not required)

  4. show an understanding that, for a (perfectly) elastic collision between two bodies, the relative speed of approach is equal to the relative speed of separation

  5. show an understanding that, whilst the momentum of a closed system is always conserved in interactions between bodies, some change in kinetic energy usually takes place.