1. What is Initial Momentum?

Initial Momentum is the product of an object's mass and velocity at the starting point of its motion, describing its tendency to remain in motion according to Newton's first law of motion.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the initial momentum formula:

Where:

• \( P_i \) — Initial Momentum (kg·m/s)
• \( m_o \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( v_i \) — Initial Velocity of the object (m/s)

Explanation: The formula calculates the momentum of an object at the beginning of its motion, which represents the quantity of motion the object possesses.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Momentum calculation is fundamental in physics for understanding collisions, conservation laws, and predicting the motion of objects. It's crucial in engineering applications, sports science, and vehicle safety design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and initial velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers (mass > 0, velocity ≥ 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the SI unit of momentum?
A: The SI unit of momentum is kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s).

Q2: How does momentum differ from velocity?
A: Velocity describes only the speed and direction of motion, while momentum includes both the object's velocity and its mass, giving a more complete description of its motion state.

Q3: Can momentum be negative?
A: Yes, momentum can be negative if the velocity is negative, indicating direction opposite to the chosen positive direction.

Q4: What is the conservation of momentum?
A: The law of conservation of momentum states that in a closed system with no external forces, the total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after the collision.

Q5: How is momentum related to force?
A: Force is equal to the rate of change of momentum (F = Δp/Δt), as described by Newton's second law of motion.