How is the direction (vector?) of momentum stored physically

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the conceptual understanding of how momentum, particularly its direction, is physically represented or stored in objects. The original poster seeks clarity on the nature of momentum beyond mathematical representation, questioning if there is a physical entity that carries this information.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the distinction between mathematical models and physical reality, questioning how momentum is perceived relative to different observers. There is an inquiry into whether a particle exists that carries the direction of momentum.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into Newton's Laws of Motion as a framework for understanding motion and momentum. The conversation includes a mix of interpretations regarding the nature of momentum and its dependence on external forces, but no consensus has been reached on the original poster's question about the physical storage of momentum direction.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about their understanding, referring to their questions as "stupid," which may influence the tone of the discussion. There is a lack of formal equations or established research references in the initial posts.

Benwade
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Homework Statement


I am not a student, but one poster was kind enough to answer my stupid question last week, and I was wondering if anyone would mind if I posted another stupid question.

When an object is moved in a specific direction, how is the direction of momentum stored or recorded. By this I do not mean how is the vector calculated, but how is the information stored (as a particle?). Also is any research being done into this if the answer is not known.

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
Absolutely none.
 
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Benwade said:

Homework Statement


I am not a student, but one poster was kind enough to answer my stupid question last week, and I was wondering if anyone would mind if I posted another stupid question.

When an object is moved in a specific direction, how is the direction of momentum stored or recorded. By this I do not mean how is the vector calculated, but how is the information stored (as a particle?). Also is any research being done into this if the answer is not known.

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
Absolutely none.
You're confusing a mathematical model with reality. We represent things like forces as vectors because we find it useful and convenient to make calculations with vectors, not because a 'force' carries around a magnitude and a direction with it all the time. These things like vectors are just numbers.

Things like momentum are also relative to the observer. For example, if you are riding in a elevator with an apple in your pocket, the apple is not moving, relative to your pocket; therefore it has zero momentum. To someone standing outside the elevator, it is clear that the person inside the elevator is moving, with respect to that external frame of reference, and that that person and anything he is carrying has momentum.
 
SteamKing said:
You're confusing a mathematical model with reality. We represent things like forces as vectors because we find it useful and convenient to make calculations with vectors, not because a 'force' carries around a magnitude and a direction with it all the time. These things like vectors are just numbers.

Things like momentum are also relative to the observer. For example, if you are riding in a elevator with an apple in your pocket, the apple is not moving, relative to your pocket; therefore it has zero momentum. To someone standing outside the elevator, it is clear that the person inside the elevator is moving, with respect to that external frame of reference, and that that person and anything he is carrying has momentum.
My stupidity is getting in the way again. What I am trying to say is much simpler really. Why do objects continue to move in any particular direction? Is there a particle that carries the direction?
 
Benwade said:
My stupidity is getting in the way again. What I am trying to say is much simpler really. Why do objects continue to move in any particular direction? Is there a particle that carries the direction?
No, the motion of a body is described by Newton's Laws of Motion.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton's_laws_of_motion

Specifically, the First Law of Motion states that a body moves at constant velocity unless it is acted on by an external force. The direction of motion of the body changes, depending on where this external force is applied to the body.
 
SteamKing said:
No, the motion of a body is described by Newton's Laws of Motion.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton's_laws_of_motion

Specifically, the First Law of Motion states that a body moves at constant velocity unless it is acted on by an external force. The direction of motion of the body changes, depending on where this external force is applied to the body.
Thank you so much for your help. How do I upvote you?
 
Benwade said:
Thank you so much for your help. How do I upvote you?
Thank you for the compliment. I don't think PF votes likes and dislikes.
 

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