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 greater mass or higher velocity, and it is conserved in isolated systems according to the law of conservation of momentum.

3. Importance Of Momentum Calculation

Details: Calculating momentum is essential in understanding collisions, predicting motion outcomes, and analyzing various physical phenomena in mechanics and engineering applications.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be valid (mass > 0).

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?
A: In an isolated system, the total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after the collision.

Q4: What's the difference between momentum and kinetic energy?
A: Momentum depends on both mass and velocity (p = mv), while kinetic energy depends on mass and the square of velocity (KE = ½mv²).

Q5: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, momentum can be negative as it is a vector quantity. Negative momentum indicates motion in the opposite direction of the defined positive direction.