How Do You Calculate the Mass of a Blue Whale Using Momentum?

  • Thread starter Thread starter danield3
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Momentum Physics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The mass of a female blue whale can be calculated using its momentum and velocity. Given a momentum of 2.15 x 10^6 kg·m/s and a swimming velocity of 57.0 km/h (15.8 m/s), the mass is determined to be 1.36 x 10^5 kg. Additionally, comparisons of momentum between various objects indicate that a 900.0-kg truck traveling at 60 km/h has greater momentum than a 500.0-kg car at the same speed, while both 15.0-kg objects moving in opposite directions have equal momentum. The discussion also highlights that a mosquito in motion has greater momentum than a stationary truck.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of momentum calculation (momentum = mass x velocity)
  • Basic knowledge of physics concepts related to mass and velocity
  • Familiarity with unit conversions (e.g., km/h to m/s)
  • Ability to compare magnitudes of momentum between different objects
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of momentum conservation in physics
  • Learn about unit conversions, specifically between kilometers per hour and meters per second
  • Explore real-world applications of momentum calculations in marine biology
  • Investigate the effects of velocity on momentum for various objects
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, marine biologists interested in the biomechanics of large marine mammals, and educators teaching concepts of momentum and mass calculations.

danield3
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
1. The blue whale is the largest mammal ever to inhabit Earth. Calculate the mass of a female blue whale if, when alarmed, it swims at a velocity of 57.0 km/h [E] and has a momentum of 2.15*10^6 kgm/s [E].

mass=momentum/velocity = 2.15x10^6kgm/s / 15.8m/s

mass=1.36x10^5kg2. Use reasoning to determine if one of the following objects in each of these pairs has a greater value for the magnitude of its momentum than the other. (No calculations should be required.)

a. a 900.0-kg truck traveling at 60 km/hr, or a 500.0-kg car traveling at 60 km/hr
900.0 kg

b. a 15.0-kg object traveling to the right at 5.0 m/s, or a 15.0-kg object traveling to the left at 5.0 m/s

both
c. a 900-kg truck at rest, or a 500-kg car at rest
900 kg

d. a 900-kg truck at rest, or a mosquito flying at 2 m/s

Mosquito
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Your approach to the first one looks right..(havent checked calculations)

ummm... how have you approached the 2nd question?
 

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
7K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K