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 Momentum Formula Work?

The momentum formula is expressed as:

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 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 calculations are essential in understanding collisions, conservation laws, and motion dynamics in physics. It helps predict the outcomes of interactions between objects and is crucial in engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What is the unit of momentum?
A: The SI unit of momentum is kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s).

Q3: How is momentum conserved?
A: In an isolated system, 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).

Q5: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, momentum can be negative when the velocity is in the negative direction of the chosen coordinate system.