Linear Momentum
Main Concept
The linear momentum of an object, denoted p →, is defined as the product of its mass m and its velocity v→:
p →= mv→
As a result, a massive object moving quickly has a greater linear momentum than a small object moving slowly.
Note that linear momentum is a vector quantity, as it is the product of a scalar (mass) with a vector (velocity).
The following demonstration shows how the momentum varies with different values of mass and velocity. Click anywhere on the plot to set the ball moving in that direction. Then, adjust the velocity and mass sliders to see the effect that they have on the ball's momentum.
Mass: Velocity:
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