1. What Is Total Momentum?

Total momentum is the sum of the momentum of all objects in a system. Momentum is a vector quantity defined as the product of an object's mass and velocity, representing the quantity of motion it possesses.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the momentum formula:

Where:

• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( v \) — Velocity of the object (m/s)
• \( TM \) — Total momentum (kg·m/s)

Explanation: For multiple objects, the total momentum is the vector sum of individual momenta. This calculator computes momentum for a single object.

3. Importance Of Momentum Calculation

Details: Momentum calculation is fundamental in physics for analyzing collisions, understanding conservation laws, and predicting motion in mechanical systems.

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 principle of conservation of momentum?
A: In a closed system with no external forces, the total momentum remains constant before and after collisions or interactions.

Q3: How does momentum relate to force?
A: Force equals the rate of change of momentum (F = Δp/Δt), as described by Newton's second law.

Q4: What are typical units for momentum?
A: The SI unit is kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s). Other units include g·cm/s or slug·ft/s.

Q5: How is momentum different from kinetic energy?
A: Momentum depends on mass and velocity (p = mv), while kinetic energy depends on mass and velocity squared (KE = ½mv²). Momentum is conserved in all collisions, while kinetic energy is only conserved in elastic collisions.