How do you find the formula for momentum in physics class?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mopar969
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Formula
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of momentum in physics, specifically focusing on deriving a plausible formula based on its unit of measurement, kg·m/s. Participants explore the relationship between mass and velocity as it pertains to momentum.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to derive the formula for momentum by analyzing its units and expressing it in terms of mass and velocity. Questions arise about the validity of the formula and the reasoning behind it.

Discussion Status

Some participants suggest that the formula for momentum is p=mv, while others discuss the foundational nature of this formula and its implications in physics. There is an exploration of how momentum relates to other fundamental concepts like force.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem requires a step-by-step derivation, and there is an emphasis on understanding the definitions of the units involved. The discussion reflects a mix of interpretations and approaches to the problem.

mopar969
Messages
200
Reaction score
0
How do you answer this question for my physics class (Please show all the steps)?

The unit of momentum is (kgm/s). Based on units, give a plausible formula for momentum.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
mopar969 said:
How do you answer this question for my physics class (Please show all the steps)?

The unit of momentum is (kgm/s). Based on units, give a plausible formula for momentum.

1. momentum = kg * m/s (as given)
2. momentum = P
3. kg = __
4. m/s = __
5. Substitute in original formula (1.)
 
So My answer is then m*v. (Because m = mass in kg and v = velocity in m/s). Thats all there is?
 
the SI defines 7 base units that all other units are derived. kilogram is the base unit of mass. meter is the base unit of length and second is the base unit of time. so you can guess the correct formula is p=mv. there's no way to prove this formula, we can only check whether it describes our experimental results or not. if you accept momentum as a fundamental formula then you can derive F=ma with differentiation with respect to time (taking m constant) or if you accept F=ma as a fundamental formula you can derive p=mv with integration.
 
mopar969 said:
So My answer is then m*v. (Because m = mass in kg and v = velocity in m/s). Thats all there is?

That's all there is for the problem you were given. But phrase your answer as P=mv and show the steps.
 

Similar threads

Calculating Momentum in an Observer's Frame of Reference
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How to solve the Momentum of a baseball?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Finding Gauge Pressure in this Manometer
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
Golf club 🏌️and ball ⛳ impulse problem
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
How do you derive the units for momentum for photons
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Finding the momentum of a photon
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Quantum - Postulate of getting specific momentum p = |A_p|^2
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Potential Energy - 2D inelastic collision - ballistic pendulum
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Why momentum of a ball bounced off a wall increases twice fold?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Expectation value of momentum operator
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K