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 momentum of an object is directly proportional to both its mass and velocity. Doubling either the 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. It's essential in fields ranging from classical mechanics to quantum physics and engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers (mass > 0, velocity ≥ 0).

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: Is momentum a vector or scalar quantity?
A: Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

Q3: How is momentum conserved in collisions?
A: In an isolated system, the total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after the collision.

Q4: What's the difference between momentum and 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.

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.