Definition of Momentum & How to Find it

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Momentum is defined as the quantity of motion of an object, calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity. While it encompasses speed and direction, it is distinct from velocity, which only considers speed and direction without mass. The discussion highlights the complexity of defining momentum, emphasizing its practical applications rather than a straightforward definition. Understanding momentum involves recognizing it as a fundamental concept in physics that relates to the motion of objects. Overall, momentum is a crucial concept that combines mass, velocity, and direction in the context of motion.
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Homework Statement



What is momentum? How do you find it?

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The Attempt at a Solution


I think that momentum is massxvelocity... but what is it? the definition? dictionary.com says that it is... theforce or speed of movement; impetus, as of a physical object or course of events...
but that isn't right because momentum isn't velocity and velocity is speed w/ direction... momentum is speed,direction and force combined... but what is momentum? the definition?
 
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The quantity of motion which is found by multiplying mass by velocity.

To me its somewhat hard to define as its more of a concept with practical uses.
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
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Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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