Second Law of Motion and Momentum

As we discussed in previous blog, the first law of motion indicates that when an unbalanced external force acts on an object, its velocity changes, that is, the object gets an acceleration. From our everyday life observation, we know that, during the game of table tennis if the ball hits a player, it does not hurt him. On the other hand, when a fast-moving cricket ball hits a spectator, it may hurt him. A truck at rest does not require any attention when parked along a roadside. But a moving truck, even at very low speeds, may harm a person standing in its path. A small mass, such as a bullet may kill a person when fired from a gun. These observations suggest that this kind of impact is produced by combination of mass and velocity in the object. In the language of physics, this combination of mass and velocity is known as momentum. Momentum is defined as the product of mass and velocity of an object possessing a magnitude and a direction. It is denoted by 'P' and mathematically expressed as p = mv.

This property of an object was introduced by Newton in his book principia published in 1687. He introduced this property under his second low of motion.

The second law of motion states that the rate of change of momentum of an object is proportional to the applied unbalanced force in the direction of force. In other words, this can by stated as, higher the force is applied, higher momentum will be and lower the force is applied, lower the momentum will be. Mathematically this law is expressed as force is equal to derivative of momentum with respect to time and it is simplified as force is equal to mass multiplied by acceleration. (F = ma)

In Newtonian mechanics, momentum is also subdivided into two categories, linear momentum, and transitional momentum. We will discuss about these in our advanced blog.

Comments

Electric Circuits - A brief overview of history, definition and applications

Brief history of Electric Circuits Early Concepts: Ancient Wonders: While the concept of electric circuits as we know them didn't emerge until more recent times, early civilizations like the ancient Greeks had inklings of electrical phenomena. They observed static electricity through materials like amber, a substance that, when rubbed, attracted lightweight objects. 18th Century Enlightenment: Franklin's Experiments: In the mid-18th century, Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiment demonstrated the connection between lightning and electricity. This period laid the groundwork for understanding the nature of electric charge. 19th Century Innovations: Ohm's Law: In the 1820s, Georg Simon Ohm formulated Ohm's Law, a fundamental principle that defines the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit. This was a pivotal moment in understanding the quantitative aspects of electricity. Telegraphy and Electrical Communication: Morse

Electric Motor - Brief History, Definition, Application and FAQs

Brief history of Electric Motor The history of the electric motor is a fascinating journey through centuries of innovation and technological advancements. Here is a detailed overview of its evolution: The concept of electromagnetism, the fundamental principle behind electric motors, was first discovered by Hans Christian Ørsted in 1820. His experiments demonstrated that an electric current could produce a magnetic field, laying the groundwork for the development of electric motors. Michael Faraday, a British scientist, made significant contributions to the understanding of electromagnetism. In 1821, he built the first electric motor by using a simple electromagnetic apparatus. Faraday's experiments paved the way for further research into electric motors. The late 19th century saw the commercialization of electric motors for various industrial applications. Inventors such as Thomas Davenport, who patented one of the earliest electric motors in 1837, and Nikola Tesla, who dev

Non-Conventional Sources of Energy - Introduction, Brief History, Types, Applications and FAQs

Brief history of non-conventional sources of energy Our reliance on fossil fuels is a relatively recent phenomenon. Throughout history, humanity has explored various ways to harness energy from the environment, laying the groundwork for the non-conventional energy sources of today. Let's embark on a journey through time to explore the development of these sustainable alternatives. Early Renewable Efforts: Wind and Water Power the Way The use of non-conventional energy sources stretches back centuries. Windmills, the forerunners of modern wind turbines, emerged in Persia (modern-day Iran and surrounding regions) around 7th century AD. These wind-powered machines were used for grinding grain and pumping water, showcasing the early understanding of harnessing wind's kinetic energy. Water power also played a significant role in early societies. Water wheels, powered by flowing rivers or streams, were used for milling grains and powering various mechanical processes. The concept

Chronon

Search This Blog