1. What is Change in Momentum?

The change in momentum (Δp) is the product of an object's mass (m) and its change in velocity (Δv). It's a fundamental concept in physics that describes how much motion an object has gained or lost.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the momentum equation:

Where:

• \( \Delta p \) — Change in momentum (kg·m/s)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( \Delta v \) — Change in velocity (m/s)

Explanation: The greater the mass or the greater the change in velocity, the greater the change in momentum.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Momentum is conserved in closed systems, making it crucial for analyzing collisions, explosions, and other interactions in physics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and change in velocity in meters per second. Both values must be valid (mass > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the units of momentum?
A: The SI unit for momentum is kilogram meters per second (kg·m/s).

Q2: How is momentum different from velocity?
A: Velocity describes speed with direction, while momentum incorporates both velocity and mass, representing the quantity of motion.

Q3: What's the relationship between force and momentum?
A: Force equals the rate of change of momentum (F = Δp/Δt), which is Newton's second law of motion.

Q4: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, momentum is a vector quantity, so negative values indicate direction opposite to the chosen positive direction.

Q5: What is conservation of momentum?
A: In a closed system with no external forces, the total momentum before an interaction equals the total momentum after.