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 conserved in isolated systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the momentum formula:

Where:

• \( p \) — Momentum (kg·m/s)
• \( m \) — Mass (kg)
• \( v \) — Velocity (m/s)

Explanation: The momentum of an object is directly proportional to both its mass and velocity. Doubling either mass or velocity will double the momentum.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Momentum is crucial in understanding collisions, conservation laws, and motion in physics. It's used in engineering, vehicle safety design, sports science, and many other fields.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is momentum a vector or scalar quantity?
A: Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

Q2: What is the 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.

Q3: How does momentum relate to force?
A: Force is equal to the rate of change of momentum (F = Δp/Δt), as described by Newton's second law of motion.

Q4: What are the units of momentum?
A: In the SI system, momentum is measured in kilogram-meters per second (kg·m/s).

Q5: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, since momentum is a vector quantity, it can be negative when the direction of motion is opposite to the chosen positive direction.