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Momentum Formula:
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Momentum is a fundamental concept in physics that quantifies the motion of an object. It is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. The formula is expressed as p = m × v, where p represents momentum, m represents mass, and v represents velocity.
The calculator uses the momentum equation:
Where:
Explanation: 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 vector.
Details: Momentum is a conserved quantity in isolated systems, making it crucial for analyzing collisions and other interactions in physics. It's used in various fields including mechanics, engineering, and astrophysics to predict the outcomes of interactions between objects.
Tips: Enter 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: What are the units of momentum?
A: In the SI system, momentum is measured in kilogram-meters per second (kg·m/s).
Q2: Is momentum a scalar or vector quantity?
A: Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
Q3: How is momentum conserved in collisions?
A: In an isolated system, the total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after the collision, according to the law of conservation of momentum.
Q4: What's the difference between momentum and kinetic energy?
A: While both relate to motion, momentum depends on both mass and velocity (p = m×v), while kinetic energy depends on mass and the square of velocity (KE = ½mv²).
Q5: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, since velocity can be negative (indicating direction), momentum can also be negative, representing direction opposite to the chosen positive direction.