Question 1

What is the difference between momentum and kinetic energy?

Accepted Answer

Momentum ($p=mv$) is a vector quantity that is always conserved in a closed system (no external forces). Kinetic energy ($KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$) is a scalar quantity that is only conserved in perfectly elastic collisions ($e=1$). In most collisions, some kinetic energy is lost to heat, sound, or deformation.

Question 2

Can momentum be negative?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because momentum is a vector, its sign depends on the direction of motion relative to a chosen positive axis. A negative momentum simply means the object is moving in the opposite direction to the one you've defined as positive.

Question 3

Why do we use two different equations (Conservation of Momentum and Law of Restitution) for collisions?

Accepted Answer

In a collision between two particles, there are typically two unknowns (the two final velocities). To solve for two unknowns, you need two independent equations. The Conservation of Momentum provides the first equation, based on Newton's laws. The Law of Restitution provides the second, which accounts for the energy loss or 'bounciness' of the specific materials involved in the collision.

Momentum

What you need to know

The Physics of Bumps and Bounces