Momentum Equation:
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The momentum equation (p = m × v) calculates the momentum of an object, which is the product of its mass and velocity. Momentum is a vector quantity that describes the quantity of motion an object possesses.
The calculator uses the momentum equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the momentum by multiplying the object's mass by its velocity. Momentum increases with both mass and velocity.
Details: Momentum calculation is fundamental in physics for understanding motion, collisions, and conservation laws. It's essential in engineering, automotive safety, and sports science.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What is momentum used for in real-world applications?
A: Momentum is used in vehicle crash testing, sports analysis, rocket propulsion, and understanding particle collisions in physics.
Q2: How does momentum relate to force?
A: Force is equal to the rate of change of momentum (F = Δp/Δt), according to Newton's second law of motion.
Q3: What is the 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: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, momentum is a vector quantity, so it has both magnitude and direction. Negative momentum indicates motion in the opposite direction of the defined positive direction.
Q5: How is momentum different from kinetic energy?
A: Momentum depends on both mass and velocity (p = mv), while kinetic energy depends on mass and the square of velocity (KE = ½mv²). Momentum is conserved in all collisions, while kinetic energy is only conserved in elastic collisions.