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Momentum Formula:
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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 calculated as the product of an object's mass and velocity.
The calculator uses the momentum formula:
Where:
Explanation: The momentum of an object is directly proportional to both its mass and velocity. Doubling either mass or velocity will double the momentum.
Details: Momentum is a conserved quantity in isolated systems, making it crucial for analyzing collisions and other interactions in physics. It helps predict the outcomes of collisions and is fundamental to understanding motion in both classical and modern physics.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms (kg) and velocity in meters per second (m/s). Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the momentum in kg·m/s.
Q1: Is momentum a vector or scalar 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 different from velocity?
A: Velocity describes how fast an object is moving and in what direction, while momentum takes into account both the object's velocity and its mass, representing the quantity of motion.
Q3: What is the principle of conservation of momentum?
A: In an isolated system (with no external forces), the total momentum before a collision or interaction equals the total momentum after the interaction.
Q4: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, since momentum is a vector quantity, it can be negative when the direction of motion is opposite to the chosen positive direction.
Q5: How does momentum relate to force?
A: Force is equal to the rate of change of momentum (Newton's second law: F = Δp/Δt). A net force applied to an object changes its momentum.