AP Physics: Momentum Change Calculated for Dropped Ball

[Silverbolt]

A 3.0-kg ball, which is dropped, strikes the ground with a velocity of 16.0 m/s and rebounds with a velocity of -12.0 m/s. What is the change in momentum?

 

[Same-same]

Remember the formula for momentum?

 

[Silverbolt]

p=mv ?

 

[Same-same]

Yes. Now how does that apply to the problem? If p = mv, what is change in p?

 

[Silverbolt]

mv final-mv inital

 

[Same-same]

Yep. Now is momentum a vector quantity? Does the sign matter?