Change in Momentum: Particle Moves Diametrically Opposite

Thread starter sphyics
Start date Mar 28, 2011
Tags

Change Change in momentum Momentum

In summary, momentum is a measure of an object's motion and its change over time is caused by external forces. A particle moves diametrically opposite when it experiences a force in the opposite direction. Factors such as mass, velocity, and force can affect the change in momentum of a particle. This change is calculated by subtracting initial momentum from final momentum. The principle of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant, which applies to a particle moving diametrically opposite as its initial and final momentums must be equal.

Mar 28, 2011

sphyics

what will be the change in momentum if a particle moves from one point to its diametrically opposite.

Physics news on Phys.org

Mar 28, 2011

Drakkith

Mentor

Got any specifics for this? What kind of answer are you looking for exactly?

1. What is momentum and how is it related to change in momentum?

Momentum is a measure of an object's motion, calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity. Change in momentum refers to the change in an object's momentum over time, which can be caused by forces acting on the object.

2. How does a particle move diametrically opposite?

A particle moves diametrically opposite when it experiences a force that causes it to change direction and move in the exact opposite direction of its original motion. This could happen, for example, if the particle collides with another object or experiences a sudden change in force.

3. What factors can affect the change in momentum of a particle?

The change in momentum of a particle can be affected by several factors, including the mass of the particle, the velocity of the particle, and the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the particle.

4. How is the change in momentum of a particle calculated?

The change in momentum is calculated by subtracting the initial momentum of the particle from its final momentum. This can be represented by the equation Δp = p_f - p_i, where Δp is the change in momentum, p_f is the final momentum, and p_i is the initial momentum.

5. What is the principle of conservation of momentum and how does it apply to a particle moving diametrically opposite?

The principle of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant, meaning that the initial momentum of a system must equal the final momentum of the system. In the case of a particle moving diametrically opposite, the momentum before the change must be the same as the momentum after the change, taking into account any external forces acting on the particle.