1. What is Momentum?

Momentum is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the quantity of motion of a moving body. It is calculated as the product of an object's mass and velocity, and is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the momentum equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation calculates the momentum of an object by multiplying its mass by its velocity. Momentum increases with both mass and velocity.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Momentum calculation is crucial in physics for understanding collisions, conservation laws, and motion dynamics. It helps predict how objects will interact during impacts 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 greater than zero for accurate calculation.

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: What is the conservation of momentum?
A: The law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant if no external forces act upon it.

Q4: 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.

Q5: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, momentum can be negative when the direction of motion is opposite to the chosen positive direction in a coordinate system.