The useful idea
- The useful idea
In Newtonian mechanics, momentum (pl.: momenta or momentums; more specifically linear momentum or translational momentum) is the product of the mass and velocity of an object.
- How it works
It is a vector quantity, possessing a magnitude and a direction.
- Why it matters
If m is an object's mass and v is its velocity (also a vector quantity), then the object's momentum p (from Latin pellere "push, drive") is: p = m v . {\displaystyle \mathbf {p} =m\mathbf {v} .} In the
Why this matters
Look for Momentum the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Try this
Look for Momentum the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Momentum?
- Why it matters
- How it works
- The useful idea — correct
In Newtonian mechanics, momentum (pl.: momenta or momentums; more specifically linear momentum or translational momentum) is the product of the mass and velocity of an object.