1. What is Change in Momentum?

Change in momentum (Δp) is a measure of the change in motion of an object, calculated as the product of an object's mass and the change in its velocity. It's a fundamental concept in physics related to force and impulse.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the momentum change equation:

Where:

• \( \Delta p \) — Change in momentum (kg·m/s)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( v_{final} \) — Final velocity (m/s)
• \( v_{initial} \) — Initial velocity (m/s)

Explanation: The change in momentum equals the mass multiplied by the change in velocity. Positive values indicate increased momentum, negative values indicate decreased momentum.

3. Importance of Momentum Change

Details: Momentum change is crucial in understanding collisions, explosions, and other interactions where forces act over time. It's directly related to impulse (J = FΔt = Δp).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocities in meters per second. The calculator will compute the momentum change in kg·m/s.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between momentum and impulse?
A: Momentum is a property of moving objects (p = mv), while impulse is the change in momentum caused by a force acting over time (J = Δp).

Q2: How is momentum conserved in collisions?
A: In closed systems, total momentum before collision equals total momentum after collision (conservation of momentum).

Q3: What are typical units for momentum?
A: The SI unit is kg·m/s. Other units include N·s (Newton-seconds).

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

Q5: How does this relate to Newton's Second Law?
A: F = ma can be rewritten as F = Δp/Δt, showing force equals the rate of change of momentum.