1. What is Linear Momentum?

Definition: Linear momentum is a measurement of the motion of an object equal to the product of its mass and velocity.

Purpose: It helps physicists and engineers analyze motion and collisions in mechanical systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( p \) — Linear momentum (kilogram-meters per second, kg·m/s)
• \( m \) — Mass (kilograms, kg)
• \( v \) — Velocity (meters per second, m/s)

Explanation: The mass of the object is multiplied by its velocity to determine its momentum.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Momentum is crucial in understanding collisions, rocket propulsion, and other physical phenomena where motion is involved.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between momentum and velocity?
A: Velocity is speed with direction, while momentum is velocity multiplied by mass - it accounts for how hard it is to stop the object.

Q2: Is momentum conserved in collisions?
A: Yes, in closed systems with no external forces, total momentum before and after a collision remains constant.

Q3: What are the units of momentum?
A: The standard SI unit is kilogram-meters per second (kg·m/s).

Q4: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, momentum can be negative when the velocity is negative, indicating direction opposite to the chosen coordinate system.

Q5: How is momentum different from kinetic energy?
A: Momentum depends linearly on velocity, while kinetic energy depends on velocity squared. Both involve mass and motion but serve different purposes in physics.