Explore the idea
Newton’s laws and momentum
Forces describe interactions. Momentum helps analyse their effects over time and the changes during collisions, provided you define the system and external forces.
Specification outcomes (8)
- 3.5.1(a) State Newton’s three laws of motion.
- 3.5.1(b) Define linear momentum, p = mv, and understand its vector nature.
- 3.5.1(c) Relate net force to rate of change of momentum, F = Δp / Δt, and recognise F = ma as a special case.
- 3.5.1(d) Define impulse of a force; impulse = FΔt.
- 3.5.1(e) Recognise impulse as the area under a force–time graph and estimate for non-linear graphs.
- 3.5.2(a) State and apply the principle of conservation of momentum.
- 3.5.2(b) Analyse collisions and interactions in one dimension. Two-dimensional collisions belong to A level.
- 3.5.2(c) Distinguish between perfectly elastic and inelastic collisions.
H156 v2.0 · May 2026
See it in an exam
No exam example linked yet. You can still explore the explanation and related topics.
PhysicsUK practice
No PhysicsUK question linked yet. New eligible questions appear here as the bank grows.