4.1 Linear Momentum

Momentum

Linear momentum is a concept in physics that quantifies the quantity of motion an object has. It combines both mass and velocity, allowing us to understand how difficult it is to change an object’s motion. The greater the momentum of an object, the more force or time is required to alter its motion.

Momentum is a vector quantity, represented by the symbol ${p}$, and its direction is always the same as the object’s velocity vector. Momentum is measured in kilogram-meters per second (kg·m/s).

Important Equation: ${p = m v}$

${p}$ represents the momentum of an object

${m}$ is the object’s mass

${v}$ is the object’s velocity

Momentum provides a direct measure of how mass and velocity contribute to motion. A large mass moving slowly can have the same momentum as a smaller mass moving rapidly.