1. What is Momentum?

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 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: The momentum of an object increases with either its mass or 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 calculation is crucial in physics for 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. The calculator will compute the momentum in kg·m/s.

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: How is momentum conserved in collisions?
A: In a closed system with no external forces, the total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after the collision (law of conservation of momentum).

Q4: What's the difference between momentum and kinetic energy?
A: Momentum depends on both mass and velocity (p = m×v), while kinetic energy depends on mass and the square of velocity (KE = ½mv²). Both are conserved in elastic collisions, but only momentum is conserved in inelastic collisions.

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.