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 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 of the object (kg)
• \( v \) — Velocity of the object (m/s)

Explanation: The momentum of an object increases with both its mass and velocity. A heavier object moving at the same speed as a lighter one will have greater momentum.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Momentum is crucial in understanding collisions, conservation laws, and various physical phenomena. It helps predict the outcomes of interactions between objects and is essential in fields like engineering, automotive safety, and sports science.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the units of momentum?
A: Momentum is measured in kilogram-meters per second (kg·m/s) in the SI system.

Q2: Is momentum a vector or scalar quantity?
A: Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

Q3: 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.

Q4: How does momentum relate to force?
A: Force is equal to the rate of change of momentum (F = Δp/Δt), as described by Newton's second law.

Q5: 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.