Question

State whether momentum is a vector or scalar quantity.

Answer 1

Step 1: Momentum

1. We know that if the mass is multiplied by velocity, it gives momentum.
2. Then we can write $\left(p\right)=m\times v$ here m is mass and v is velocity.
3. We know that displacement per unit of time gives velocity.
4. The displacement unit is a meter and the unit of time is a second.
5. We know that unit of mass is, $kg$and unit of velocity is $\frac{m}{s}.$
6. So, the unit of momentum is $kgm/s$.

Step 2: Finding quantity

1. Scalar refers to a quantity with a magnitude but no specific direction.
2. A vector is a quantity that has magnitude and acts in a specific direction.
3. Momentum is a vector, so it has a magnitude and a direction.

Hence, momentum is a vector quantity.