Linear momentum is the vector quantity and defined as the product of the mass of an object, m, and its velocity, v. The letter ‘p’ is applied to express it and used as momentum for short. Please note that the body’s momentum is always in the same direction as its velocity vector. It’s a conserved quantity which means that the total momentum of a system is constant. The units of linear momentum are kg m/s.
The linear momentum formula is given by,
               P = m v
Where,
m = mass
v = velocity
Example 1
Determine the linear momentum of a body whose mass is 10kg moving with a speed of 20m/s.
Solution:
Given parameters are,
m = 10 kg
v = 20m/s
Linear momentum formula is expressed as,
P = mv
p = 10 x 20
p = 200 kgm/s
Example 2
The linear momentum of a body is 40 kg m/s and the mass of the object is 5kg. Determine the velocity of the object.
Solution:
Given parameters are,
m = 5 kg
P = 40 kgm/s
Linear momentum formula is given by,
P = mv
v = P / m
v = 40 / 5
v = 8 m/s
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