Momentum Concept Check: Understand p = mv and F=ma

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Zynoakib
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Concept Momentum
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the concepts of momentum and force, emphasizing that momentum (p = mv) is independent of force and energy. It establishes that both momentum and force (F = ma) are used to calculate the effort required to change the velocity of a moving object, with momentum focusing on the comparison of states before and after a velocity change, while force relates to acceleration. Additionally, it distinguishes inertia as a property of mass that resists changes in velocity, whereas momentum quantifies the effort needed to effect such changes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with the concepts of velocity and acceleration
  • Basic knowledge of mass and inertia
  • Ability to differentiate between force, energy, and momentum
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between momentum and force in different physical scenarios
  • Explore the implications of inertia in circular motion
  • Investigate advanced applications of p = mv in collision physics
  • Learn about the conservation of momentum in closed systems
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of motion and force dynamics.

Zynoakib
Messages
70
Reaction score
0
1. Momentum is not a force nor energy, it is a completely independent thing

2. Both p = mv and F= ma is for calculating the effort of changing the speed of an moving object, but the former one do this through comparing the momentum of an object before and after it changes speed while the latter one do this through the object's acceleration. They are just two different methods for achieving the same goal

3. Inertia is a property of an object with mass for being reluctant to change its speed while momentum really quantifies the effort required to change one's speed.

Thank you, These clarification would give me a big help!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Zynoakib said:
1. Momentum is not a force nor energy, it is a completely independent thing

2. Both p = mv and F= ma is for calculating the effort of changing the speed of an moving object, but the former one do this through comparing the momentum of an object before and after it changes speed while the latter one do this through the object's acceleration. They are just two different methods for achieving the same goal

3. Inertia is a property of an object with mass for being reluctant to change its speed while momentum really quantifies the effort required to change one's speed.

Thank you, These clarification would give me a big help!
That's a good summary, except you need to replace "speed" with "velocity" everywhere in these points. Circular motion may be at a constant speed although its direction (and hence velocity) is continuously changing---and an accelerating force must continuously counter inertia resisting that change in direction.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71 and Zynoakib
Thanks guys!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K