H2 Physics 9478 · Topic 6

Collisions: impulse, momentum and kinetic energy

Use a declared system and sign convention to connect force–time area to momentum change, then distinguish momentum conservation from kinetic-energy conservation.

H2 Physics 9478 (2027)
3 lessons

Start topic Check this topic

Before you begin

Study each reviewed objective cluster, then use the recorded diagnostic and repair plan. H2 practice evidence remains separate from H1 and H3.

Be comfortable with: Momentum & Impulse Elastic & Inelastic Collisions

How the ideas connect

Impulse and force–time area
Momentum conservation and one-dimensional interactions
Perfectly elastic collisions and kinetic-energy change

Learn in order

Lesson route

Objective clusters

Prove your understanding

Practice and repair

Other ways to practise

Open Forces & Dynamics structured practiceUse the established collision-data and force–time questions after the delayed re-test, then use the Forces & Dynamics quiz for mixed retrieval.

Key ideas and reference

Use this concise Collisions: impulse, momentum and kinetic energy checklist to locate the right objective cluster. Full definitions, derivations and worked examples stay in the linked lessons.

Use a declared system and sign convention to connect force–time area to momentum change, then distinguish momentum conservation from kinetic-energy conservation.
Impulse and force–time area 6(a)
Momentum conservation and one-dimensional interactions 6(b)–(c)
Perfectly elastic collisions and kinetic-energy change 6(d)–(e)

Course coverage and review details

The official topic excludes coefficient of restitution. The chain therefore uses momentum conservation, the perfectly elastic relative-speed condition and kinetic-energy comparison directly.

Coverage is reviewed against 9478 topic 6(a)–(e), PDF page 15. Selected-response progress does not by itself prove constructed, diagrammatic or practical performance.

Reviewed 2026-08-01

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