Momentum

Front

What is momentum?

Back

Momentum is the product of an object's mass and its velocity, represented by the formula p = mv.

Front

Is momentum always conserved in a closed system?

Back

Yes, momentum is always conserved in a closed system, meaning the total momentum before an event is equal to the total momentum after the event.

Front

What is the unit of momentum?

Back

The unit of momentum is kg·m/s.

Front

What happens to momentum in an elastic collision?

Back

In an elastic collision, both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved.

Front

What happens to momentum in an inelastic collision?

Back

In an inelastic collision, momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not.

Front

What is an elastic collision?

Back

An elastic collision is a collision where both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved, and the objects bounce off each other.

Front

What is an inelastic collision?

Back

An inelastic collision is a collision where momentum is conserved, but kinetic energy is not, often resulting in the objects sticking together.

Front

Can momentum be negative?

Back

Yes, momentum can be negative if the object is moving in the opposite direction of the defined positive direction.

Front

What is the principle of conservation of momentum?

Back

The principle states that in a closed system, the total momentum before an event is equal to the total momentum after the event.

Front

How does mass affect momentum?

Back

Momentum increases with an increase in mass; if velocity remains constant, a heavier object will have more momentum.