Understanding Momentum: Comparing Mack Trucks and Small Trucks

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding momentum, specifically comparing the momentum of a stationary Mack truck to that of a moving small truck. It addresses the basic definition of momentum and its calculation, as well as the implications of mass and velocity in determining momentum.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that momentum is calculated using the formula P=mv, where P is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity.
  • Another participant confirms the formula and reiterates that momentum is defined as P=mv.
  • There is a suggestion that the stationary Mack truck has zero momentum, while the moving small truck has a positive momentum, leading to a question about which has more momentum.
  • Some participants affirm the initial understanding of momentum without introducing alternative views.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus, as there are differing interpretations regarding the momentum of the two vehicles based on their states of motion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential assumptions about the mass of the trucks or the specific velocities involved, which could influence the outcome of the momentum comparison.

bower5932
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I'm trying to help my high school kid solve some momentum problems, and one of us must be missing something simple. The question is "What has more momentum a Mack truck (ie, very large object) that is still or a small truck that is moving?" I thought that momentum=mass*velocity. If this is the case, then the Mack truck would have a 0 and the small truck would have a positive number. However, my kid tells me the answer is the Mack truck. Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance.
 
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Don't think so.
 
You're right.

[tex]P=mv[/tex]
 
momentum

your are correct
movementum is defined as

P = mv

where P is linear movementum, m is mass of object and v is velocity.
 

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