1. What is the Momentum Equation?

The momentum equation (p = m × v) calculates the quantity of motion of a moving body. Momentum is a vector quantity equal to the product of an object's mass and velocity, with direction matching the velocity vector.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental 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 fundamental concept in physics, crucial for understanding collisions, conservation laws, and motion. It's used in engineering, vehicle safety design, sports science, and many other fields.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the momentum in kg·m/s.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the units of momentum?
A: In SI units, momentum is measured in kilogram-meters per second (kg·m/s).

Q2: Is momentum a vector or scalar quantity?
A: Momentum is a vector quantity - it has both magnitude and direction (same as velocity).

Q3: How does momentum relate to force?
A: Force equals the rate of change of momentum (Newton's Second Law: F = Δp/Δt).

Q4: What is the principle of conservation of momentum?
A: In a closed system with no external forces, the total momentum remains constant.

Q5: How is momentum different from kinetic energy?
A: Momentum depends linearly on velocity (p = mv), while kinetic energy depends on velocity squared (KE = ½mv²). Both are conserved in elastic collisions.