Momentum

• Momentum equation

  Momentum is defined by the equation:

  momentum =mass ×velocity

   p =m v

  momentum, p , in kilograms metre per second, kg m/s

  mass, m , in kilograms, kg

  velocity, v , in metres per second, m/s
• Conservation of momentum

  • In a closed system, the total momentum before an event is equal to the total momentum after the event
  • This is called conservation of momentum
• Change in momentum

  • When a force acts on an object that is moving, or able to move, a change in momentum occurs
  • The equations $F=$$m\times a$ and $a\ =$$\ \frac{v-u}{t}$combine to give the equation $F\ =$$\ \frac{m\ \Delta v}{\Delta t}$
  • where m ∆ v = change in momentum
  • ie force equals the rate of change of momentum