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 equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation shows that momentum is directly proportional to both mass and velocity. Doubling either mass or velocity will double the momentum.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Momentum is a conserved quantity in isolated systems, making it crucial for analyzing collisions and other interactions in physics. It's essential for understanding motion, forces, and energy transfer in mechanical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers. The result will be displayed in kg·m/s (kilogram meters per second).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is momentum a vector or scalar quantity?
A: Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. The direction of momentum is the same as the direction of velocity.

Q2: What is the principle of conservation of momentum?
A: In an isolated system (no external forces), the total momentum before a collision or interaction equals the total momentum after the interaction.

Q3: How does momentum differ from kinetic energy?
A: While both involve mass and velocity, momentum is a vector quantity (p = mv), while kinetic energy is a scalar quantity (KE = ½mv²) and depends on the square of velocity.

Q4: What are the units of momentum?
A: In the SI system, momentum is measured in kilogram meters per second (kg·m/s).

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.