Question

What is the importance of momentum?

Answer 1

1. The product of a particle's mass and velocity is called momentum. The term 'momentum' refers to a quantity that has both a magnitude and a direction.
2. Formula: $p=mv$ where, $p$ is the momentum in $\left(Kgm{s}^{-1}\right)$, $m$ is the mass in $\left(Kg\right)$, $v$ is the velocity in $\left(m{s}^{-1}\right)$.
3. At rest, objects do not have momentum; they have no "mass in motion." When comparing the momentum of two objects, both variables - mass and velocity - are crucial. The momentum equation guides us in understanding the effect when either mass or velocity gets changed.
4. For example, a semi-truck loaded with logs has a large mass and must slow down well before a stop traffic light because it has a large momentum and is difficult to stop even at a low speed.