Momentum Change Equation:
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Momentum change (Δp) represents the difference in an object's momentum between two states. It is calculated as the product of mass and change in velocity, following Newton's second law of motion.
The calculator uses the momentum change equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that momentum change is directly proportional to both mass and change in velocity.
Details: Calculating momentum change is essential in physics for understanding collisions, impulse, and conservation of momentum in closed systems.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and change in velocity in meters per second. Both values must be valid (mass > 0).
Q1: What is momentum in physics?
A: Momentum is a vector quantity defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity, representing the quantity of motion.
Q2: How is momentum change related to force?
A: According to Newton's second law, the net force acting on an object equals the rate of change of its momentum (F = Δp/Δt).
Q3: What are the units of momentum?
A: Momentum is measured in kilogram-meters per second (kg·m/s) in the SI system.
Q4: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, momentum is a vector quantity, so it can be negative when the direction of motion is opposite to the chosen positive direction.
Q5: How is momentum conserved?
A: In a closed system with no external forces, the total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after the collision.