Collisions: Conservation of Momentum and Energy

This lecture covers the principles of collisions, focusing on the conservation of momentum and energy. The instructor explains the differences between elastic and inelastic collisions, providing examples to illustrate these concepts. The discussion begins with the fundamental definitions of force and momentum, emphasizing their vector nature. The instructor then introduces Newton's laws and how they apply to collisions, highlighting the importance of understanding the conservation laws in different scenarios. Practical examples, such as a tennis serve, are used to demonstrate how to calculate forces and momentum changes during collisions. The lecture also explores the implications of these principles in real-world applications, including nuclear reactions and geological phenomena. The instructor concludes by discussing the historical context of these discoveries and their significance in modern physics, particularly in understanding energy transformations during collisions.