Momentum is the product of mass and velocity. Its units can be expressed as kg m/s or Ns. Based on the definition, two objects of different masses can have the same momentum by having different velocities. For example, a pebble of 1 g traveling at 300 m/s has the same momentum as 300 g plasticineContinue reading “On momentum, impulse, and conservation of momentum”
Author Archives: shehlit
Kinematics equation and Work-energy theorem
I am actually amazed by how the work-energy theorem is related to one of the kinematics equations for constant acceleration motion. The work-energy theorem states: the net work done on a particle is the change in its kinetic energy. Mathematically it looks like this: For the left-hand side of the equation, the net work doneContinue reading “Kinematics equation and Work-energy theorem”
Thoughts on energy conversion
Energy is an abstract concept. We cannot see it, but we can utilize the concept to explain complex phenomena. For example, you work out, control your food intake, and lose weight over time. Maybe this example is common sense to everyone that doesn’t really require the energy concept to explain it. The gist is youContinue reading “Thoughts on energy conversion”
Velocity and Acceleration
Students tend to confuse velocity with acceleration. This confusion has been documented by many physics educators (just a simple search of “student understanding of velocity, acceleration” on Google Scholar will do). This mixing of ideas follows students from high school to undergraduate. One may think that as technological advances, the teachers are well-equipped with modernContinue reading “Velocity and Acceleration”
Chang Physics Class 