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The Open University

Collisions and conservation laws

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

The course covers the analysis of collisions, including elastic and inelastic collisions in one, two, and three dimensions. Special cases of general elastic collisions are explored, along with collisions in various contexts such as space, roads, and small-scale scenarios. The course also delves into relativistic collisions, discussing relativistic momentum and kinetic energy. By the end of the course, learners will be able to analyze different types of collisions and understand the conservation laws associated with them. The teaching method involves theoretical explanations, practical examples, and case studies. This course is intended for individuals interested in physics, mechanics, and the principles governing collisions.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Analysing collisions
  • 1 Analysing collisions
  • 2 Elastic and inelastic collisions
  • 2 Elastic and inelastic collisions
  • 3 Elastic collisions in one dimension
  • 3 Elastic collisions in one dimension
  • 3.1 Elastic collisions with a stationary target
  • 3.2 Elastic collisions in general
  • 3.3 Four special cases of general elastic collisions
  • 4 Elastic collisions in two or three dimensions
  • 4 Elastic collisions in two or three dimensions
  • 5 Inelastic collisions
  • 5 Inelastic collisions
  • 6 Collisions all around us
  • 6 Collisions all around us
  • 6.1 Collisions in space
  • 6.2 Collisions on the roads
  • 6.3 Collisions on a small-scale
  • 7 Relativistic collisions
  • 7 Relativistic collisions
  • 7.1 Relativistic momentum
  • 7.2 Relativistic kinetic energy
  • Conclusion
  • Glossary
  • Acknowledgements

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