How to calculate the momentum of Pluto?

[ndirishchick]

If anyone knows how to calculate the momentum of Pluto it would be great if you could let me know. I am doing a science project and do not understand parts of the project. Thanks!

 

[mgb_phys]

Classical momentum is just mass * velocity

The orbital radius is around 5.9 billion km, period is 248years so it should be easy to work out velocity.
The mass is 1.3E22kg

 

[pixel01]

Classical momentum is just mass * velocity

The orbital radius is around 5.9 billion km, period is 248years so it should be easy to work out velocity.
The mass is 1.3E22kg

Can we know the exact momentum of Pluto at any point in orbit? It's so eccentric.

 

[mgb_phys]

Can we know the exact momentum of Pluto at any point in orbit? It's so eccentric.

But rather predictably so.
Momentum is conserved and a planet has rather a lot of momentum - as you would know if you have ever tried to stop one with your bare hands.

 

[pixel01]

But rather predictably so.
Momentum is conserved and a planet has rather a lot of momentum - as you would know if you have ever tried to stop one with your bare hands.

I just suspect the momentum of Pluto is not the same around the orbit, it may be quite different. I may have to look back at the Kepler's law.

 

[malawi_glenn]

But rather predictably so.
Momentum is conserved and a planet has rather a lot of momentum - as you would know if you have ever tried to stop one with your bare hands.

Angular momentum is more costumary to consider here.

But for linear momentum:
mv is consreved, where v is v_radial + v_tangential.

 

[D H]

The linear momentum of a planet (eg. Pluto) is not conserved. The planet follows a curved path!

Conserved quantities are linear momentum of the planet+sun system (tautologically zero in the planet+sun center of mass frame), angular momentum (gravity is a central force) and total energy (gravity is a conservative force).