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 either greater mass or higher velocity, and it's directly proportional to both quantities.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Momentum calculation is crucial in understanding collisions, conservation laws, and motion dynamics in physics. It helps predict the outcomes of interactions between objects and is fundamental to Newton's laws of motion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers to calculate valid momentum.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the units of momentum?
A: Momentum is measured in kilogram-meters per second (kg·m/s) in the SI system.

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 in collisions?
A: In a closed system with no external forces, 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 mass and velocity (p = mv), while kinetic energy depends on mass and velocity squared (KE = ½mv²). Both are conserved in elastic collisions.

Q5: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, since momentum is a vector quantity, it can be negative when the object is moving in the negative direction of the chosen coordinate system.