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, calculated as the product of an object's mass and velocity.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the momentum formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: Momentum increases with either greater mass or higher velocity, and it's conserved in isolated systems according to the law of conservation of momentum.

3. Importance Of Momentum Calculation

Details: Calculating momentum is essential in physics for understanding collisions, predicting motion outcomes, and analyzing various physical phenomena from particle physics to celestial mechanics.

4. Using The Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is momentum a vector or scalar 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 for momentum is kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s).

Q3: How is momentum different from velocity?
A: Velocity measures speed with direction, while momentum incorporates both velocity and mass, representing the quantity of motion.

Q4: What is the law of conservation of momentum?
A: In a closed system with no external forces, the total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after the collision.

Q5: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, momentum can be negative as it's a vector quantity. Negative momentum indicates motion in the opposite direction of the defined positive direction.