Momentum
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Momentum
The relationship between an object’s mass and velocity. The higher the value, the larger the force required to stop the object in the same amount of time.
- Related Glossary Terms
Impulse↗, Momentum Equation, Table 6.4.1: Linear vs. Angular Equations
- Index
Chapter 4 - Introduction to Momentum
Chapter 4 - Inelastic Collisions
Chapter 4 - Inelastic Collisions
Glossary and deeper reading · 2 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Linear momentum
Linear momentum is a vector describing an object’s motion and equals mass times velocity in the nonrelativistic model. The vector sum of momenta is conserved when the net external impulse on the system is zero. For example, two identical carts moving equally fast in opposite directions have zero total linear momentum but nonzero total kinetic energy.
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Impulse
Impulse is the change in linear momentum produced by a force over a time interval. It equals the signed vector area under a force-versus-time graph and is measured in newton-seconds. For example, a padded landing spreads the stopping impulse over more time, reducing the average force for the same momentum change.