Linear Momentum
Definition
Linear momentum refers to the quantity of motion possessed by an object. It is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity.
Analogy
Imagine a soccer ball being kicked with different speeds. The linear momentum of the ball increases as it is kicked harder, resulting in a greater force when it collides with another object, like a goalpost.
Related terms
Vector: A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Linear momentum is a vector quantity because it depends on both the mass (magnitude) and velocity (direction) of an object.
Impulse: Impulse refers to the change in momentum experienced by an object when acted upon by a force for a certain amount of time.
Conservation of Momentum: Conservation of momentum states that in an isolated system, the total momentum before an event or interaction is equal to the total momentum after the event or interaction.
"Linear Momentum" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (1)
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.