1. What is Change in Momentum?

Change in momentum (Δp) is a measure of how much an object's momentum has changed over time. It's calculated as the product of mass and the change in velocity, and is measured in kg·m/s.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the momentum change formula:

Where:

• \( \Delta p \) — Change in momentum (kg·m/s)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( v_f \) — Final velocity (m/s)
• \( v_i \) — Initial velocity (m/s)

Explanation: The change in momentum equals the mass multiplied by the difference between final and initial velocities.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Calculating change in momentum is crucial in physics for understanding collisions, impulse, and conservation of momentum in closed systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms, initial and final velocities in meters per second. All values must be valid (mass > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is momentum?
A: Momentum is a vector quantity defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity (p = mv).

Q2: What does positive/negative Δp indicate?
A: Positive Δp means momentum increased, negative means it decreased. The sign indicates direction of change.

Q3: How is impulse related to momentum change?
A: Impulse equals the change in momentum (J = Δp), as force applied over time changes momentum.

Q4: Is momentum conserved in collisions?
A: In closed systems with no external forces, total momentum is always conserved during collisions.

Q5: What are real-world applications?
A: Used in vehicle safety design, sports equipment, rocket propulsion, and analyzing particle collisions.