Physics A-Level
Change in momentum and direction
What Change in momentum and direction means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Change in momentum and direction
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Change in momentum and direction in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
The change in momentum is calculated as final momentum minus initial momentum, and the net force is in the same direction as this change.
Topics that use Change in momentum and direction
- Newton’s laws of motion (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Action–reaction pairs
- Area under a graph
- Force–time graphs
- Resultant force and motion
- Safety applications of impulse
- Sign conventions in one dimension
- Constant-mass reduction to F = ma
- Force as a rate of change
Using Change in momentum and direction in the exam
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