AP®︎ Physics 1 Unit 4: Notes & Study Guide

Prepare for your quiz, test, or the AP exam with a comprehensive review on Unit 4 of AP Physics 1 – Linear Momentum.

Exam weight: 10%–15%
4 Topics

Unit 4: Linear Momentum

How momentum transfers between objects during collisions and explosions, and why total momentum stays constant in isolated systems.

Begin with Topic 4.1: Linear Momentum

To review Unit 4, go through each of the 4 topics below.

Everything you actually need to know for your Unit 4 test, pulled directly from the AP® Physics 1 curriculum.

Topic 4.1
~6 min
Review
Linear Momentum
Linear Momentum
  • What Linear Momentum Is
  • Momentum of a System
  • Collisions
Review
Topic 4.2
~6 min
Review
Change in Momentum and Impulse
Change in Momentum and Impulse
  • Momentum and What It Means
  • Net Force and Rate of Change of Momentum
  • The Impulse–Momentum Theorem
Review
Topic 4.3
~7 min
Review
Conservation of Linear Momentum
Conservation of Linear Momentum
  • Total Momentum of a System
  • Conservation of Momentum
  • Choosing the System
Review
Topic 4.4
~7 min
Review
Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
Elastic and Inelastic Collisions
  • What Makes a Collision Elastic or Inelastic
  • Types of Collisions
  • How to Analyze Collision Problems
Review

Notes

1 credit used · 5/5 remaining