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Linear Momentum Formula:
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Linear momentum is a fundamental quantity in physics that describes the motion of an object. It is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity, and it is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction.
The formula for calculating linear momentum is:
Where:
Explanation: The momentum of an object increases with both its mass and velocity. A heavier object moving at the same speed will have greater momentum, and a faster-moving object of the same mass will also have greater momentum.
Details: Linear momentum is a conserved quantity in isolated systems, making it crucial for analyzing collisions and other interactions. It is fundamental to Newton's laws of motion and is essential in understanding various physical phenomena from vehicle safety to sports mechanics.
Tips: Enter the mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the linear 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: How is momentum conserved in collisions?
A: In an isolated system, the total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after the collision, regardless of the type of collision (elastic or inelastic).
Q3: What is the relationship between force and momentum?
A: Force is equal to the rate of change of momentum (F = Δp/Δt), which is Newton's second law of motion.
Q4: 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.
Q5: How does momentum differ from 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). Momentum is conserved in all isolated systems, while kinetic energy is only conserved in elastic collisions.