1. What is the Momentum Formula?

The momentum (p) of an object is calculated as the product of its mass (m) and velocity (v). It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the momentum formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The greater the mass or velocity of an object, the greater its momentum. This principle is fundamental in physics, particularly in the study of motion and collisions.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Momentum is crucial in understanding and predicting the behavior of moving objects. It's conserved in closed systems, making it essential for analyzing collisions, rocket propulsion, and many other physical phenomena.

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: In the SI system, momentum is measured in kilogram-meters per second (kg·m/s).

Q2: How is momentum different from velocity?
A: While velocity describes speed with direction, momentum incorporates both the object's mass and its velocity, representing the "quantity of motion."

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

Q4: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, since velocity is a vector, momentum can be negative, indicating direction opposite to the chosen positive reference direction.

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