1. What is Initial Momentum?

Initial momentum (p_i) is the product of an object's mass and its initial velocity. It's a vector quantity that describes the motion of an object at the start of observation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the momentum equation:

Where:

• \( p_i \) — Initial momentum (kg·m/s)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( v_i \) — Initial velocity (m/s)

Explanation: The equation shows that momentum is directly proportional to both mass and velocity.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Momentum is fundamental in physics, particularly in analyzing collisions and conservation of momentum problems. It helps predict motion outcomes in isolated systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second. Mass must be positive, while velocity can be positive or negative depending on direction.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between momentum and velocity?
A: Velocity describes speed with direction, while momentum incorporates both velocity and mass, representing the quantity of motion.

Q2: Is momentum always conserved?
A: In an isolated system with no external forces, total momentum is always conserved.

Q3: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, momentum can be negative when velocity is negative, indicating direction opposite to the chosen positive reference.

Q4: What are typical units for momentum?
A: In SI units, kg·m/s is standard. Other systems may use g·cm/s or slug·ft/s.

Q5: How does momentum relate to force?
A: Force equals the rate of change of momentum (Newton's Second Law: F = dp/dt).