1. What is Momentum?

Momentum is a measurement involving the motion of an object in motion and the mass of the object. It is a vector quantity, possessing both magnitude and direction. In physics, momentum is calculated as the product of an object's mass and its velocity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the momentum equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The greater the mass or velocity of an object, the greater its momentum. Momentum is conserved in isolated systems.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Momentum is fundamental in physics, particularly in understanding collisions, motion, and force. It's crucial in engineering applications like vehicle safety design and sports science.

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: What are the units of momentum?
A: The SI unit for momentum is kilogram meters per second (kg·m/s).

Q2: How is momentum different from velocity?
A: Velocity measures speed with direction, while momentum incorporates both velocity and mass, representing the "quantity of motion."

Q3: What is the law of conservation of momentum?
A: In a closed system with no external forces, the total momentum before an interaction equals the total momentum after.

Q4: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, since momentum is a vector quantity, negative values indicate direction opposite to the defined positive direction.

Q5: How does momentum relate to force?
A: Force equals the rate of change of momentum (Newton's Second Law: F = Δp/Δt).