Momentum Concept Check: Understand p = mv and F=ma

In summary, momentum is an independent concept that is not a force or energy. Both p=mv and F=ma can be used to calculate the effort needed to change the velocity of an object, but they differ in their methods. Inertia is a property of objects with mass that resists changes in velocity, while momentum measures the effort required to change an object's velocity. Clarifying the difference between speed and velocity can provide a better understanding of these concepts.
  • #1
Zynoakib
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1. Momentum is not a force nor energy, it is a completely independent thing

2. Both p = mv and F= ma is for calculating the effort of changing the speed of an moving object, but the former one do this through comparing the momentum of an object before and after it changes speed while the latter one do this through the object's acceleration. They are just two different methods for achieving the same goal

3. Inertia is a property of an object with mass for being reluctant to change its speed while momentum really quantifies the effort required to change one's speed.

Thank you, These clarification would give me a big help!
 
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  • #3
Zynoakib said:
1. Momentum is not a force nor energy, it is a completely independent thing

2. Both p = mv and F= ma is for calculating the effort of changing the speed of an moving object, but the former one do this through comparing the momentum of an object before and after it changes speed while the latter one do this through the object's acceleration. They are just two different methods for achieving the same goal

3. Inertia is a property of an object with mass for being reluctant to change its speed while momentum really quantifies the effort required to change one's speed.

Thank you, These clarification would give me a big help!
That's a good summary, except you need to replace "speed" with "velocity" everywhere in these points. Circular motion may be at a constant speed although its direction (and hence velocity) is continuously changing---and an accelerating force must continuously counter inertia resisting that change in direction.
 
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  • #4
Thanks guys!
 

1. What is momentum?

Momentum is a physical quantity that describes the amount of motion an object has. It is calculated as the product of an object's mass and velocity.

2. How is momentum related to velocity?

Momentum and velocity are directly proportional. This means that as an object's velocity increases, its momentum also increases.

3. What is the formula for calculating momentum?

The formula for calculating momentum is p = mv, where p represents momentum, m represents mass, and v represents velocity.

4. How is momentum conserved in a closed system?

In a closed system where there are no external forces acting on the objects, the total momentum of the system remains constant. This means that if one object gains momentum, another object in the system must lose the same amount of momentum.

5. What is the relationship between force and acceleration?

According to Newton's second law of motion, force is equal to mass times acceleration (F=ma). This means that the greater the force applied to an object, the greater its acceleration will be.

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