1. What is Momentum?

Definition: Momentum is the product of an object's mass and its velocity, representing the quantity of motion it possesses.

Purpose: It's a fundamental concept in physics that describes how difficult it is to stop a moving object.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the 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.

3. Importance of Momentum

Details: Momentum is conserved in isolated systems, making it crucial for understanding collisions, motion, and force applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the 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: The standard SI unit is kilogram meters per second (kg m/s).

Q2: How is momentum different from velocity?
A: Velocity only describes speed and direction, while momentum incorporates both speed and mass.

Q3: What does conservation of momentum mean?
A: In a closed system with no external forces, the total momentum remains constant before and after interactions.

Q4: How does momentum relate to force?
A: Force equals the rate of change of momentum (Newton's Second Law: F = Δp/Δt).

Q5: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, momentum can be negative when velocity is negative, indicating opposite direction.