Unit Overview
In this unit, we transition from observing motion and forces to analyzing the impact of those interactions through the lens of **Momentum**. Students explore how the product of mass and velocity defines an object's state of motion, and how **Impulse** describes the change in that state. We'll use the principles of conservation to predict the outcomes of collisions and explosions, applying our findings to real-world safety technology like car crumple zones and protective sports gear.
Essential Questions
- ▹ How can we use the laws of physics to mitigate the forces of impact in a collision?
- ▹ Is momentum ever truly lost, or does it always find a new path?
- ▹ What separates an elastic bounce from a permanent crush in physics terms?
- ▹ How do explosions and collisions follow the exact same mathematical rules?
Key Concepts
Learning Objectives
Calculate momentum for various objects and state the units of p and J.
Apply the Impulse-Momentum Theorem to solve for force, time, or change in velocity.
Analyze multi-body systems to verify the conservation of momentum in collisions.
Cognitive Progression Chart
DOK levels by lesson day. Watch the complexity ramp up!
🧪 Labs & Activities
📝 Assessments
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Open Template ↗
📋 Egg Drop Failure Report
Analyze your design, identify failure points, and propose improvements based on impulse principles. Completing this report can improve your project grade by up to 10%.