1. What is Momentum in Physics?

Momentum is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the quantity of motion an object has. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, and is calculated as the product of an object's mass and velocity.

2. How Does the Momentum Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the momentum formula:

Where:

• \( p \) — Momentum (kg·m/s)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( v \) — Velocity of the object (m/s)

Explanation: Momentum increases with both mass and velocity. A heavier object moving at the same speed will have greater momentum, as will a faster-moving object of the same mass.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Momentum is crucial in understanding collisions, conservation laws, and motion dynamics. It helps predict the outcomes of interactions between objects and is fundamental to Newton's laws of motion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the unit of momentum?
A: The SI unit of momentum is kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s).

Q2: Is momentum a vector or scalar quantity?
A: Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

Q3: What is the law of conservation of momentum?
A: In a closed system with no external forces, the total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after the collision.

Q4: How does momentum relate to force?
A: Force is equal to the rate of change of momentum (F = Δp/Δt), as described by Newton's second law of motion.

Q5: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, since momentum is a vector quantity, it can be negative when the direction of motion is opposite to the chosen positive direction.