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 equation:

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 both its mass and velocity. Heavier objects moving at higher speeds have greater momentum.

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 in engineering, sports science, and vehicle safety design.

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

Q4: What is 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.

Q5: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, momentum can be negative when the velocity vector points in the negative direction of the chosen coordinate system.