Momentum and the Law of Conservation of Momentum

Front

What is momentum?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-2

Front

What is the Law of Conservation of Momentum?

Back

The Law of Conservation of Momentum states that in a closed system, the total momentum before an event is equal to the total momentum after the event.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-2

Front

How does mass affect momentum?

Back

An increase in mass will increase momentum if velocity remains constant, as momentum is directly proportional to mass.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-2

Front

How does velocity affect momentum?

Back

An increase in velocity will increase momentum if mass remains constant, as momentum is directly proportional to velocity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-2

Front

What is the formula for calculating momentum?

Back

The formula for momentum is p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-2

Front

If an object is at rest, what is its momentum?

Back

If an object is at rest, its momentum is zero because velocity is zero.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-2

Front

What happens to momentum in a collision?

Back

In a collision, the total momentum of the system before the collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision, assuming no external forces act on it.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-2

Front

Can momentum be negative?

Back

Yes, momentum can be negative, indicating direction; for example, -22 kg m/s north is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to 22 kg m/s south.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-2

Front

What is the unit of momentum?

Back

The unit of momentum is kilogram meter per second (kg m/s).

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-2

Front

Which has more momentum: a heavy truck at rest or a small car moving?

Back

The small car moving has more momentum than the heavy truck at rest, as momentum depends on both mass and velocity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-2