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Momentum Formula:
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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 conserved in isolated systems.
The momentum formula is expressed as:
Where:
Explanation: The momentum of an object is directly proportional to both its mass and velocity. Doubling either the mass or velocity will double the momentum.
Details: Momentum calculations are essential in understanding collisions, conservation of momentum, and analyzing the motion of objects in physics. It's crucial for predicting the outcomes of interactions between objects.
Tips: Enter the mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be valid (mass > 0). The calculator will compute the momentum in kg·m/s.
Q1: Is momentum a scalar or vector quantity?
A: Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. The direction of momentum is the same as the direction of the velocity.
Q2: What is the principle of conservation of momentum?
A: In an isolated system (no external forces), the total momentum before a collision or interaction equals the total momentum after the interaction.
Q3: How does momentum differ from 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). Momentum is conserved in all collisions, while kinetic energy is only conserved in elastic collisions.
Q4: What are the units of momentum?
A: The SI unit for momentum is kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s). In imperial units, it can be expressed as slug-foot per second.
Q5: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, since momentum is a vector quantity, it can be negative. Negative momentum indicates motion in the opposite direction of the defined positive direction.