Why Is "P" Used in Momentum Formula (p=mv)?

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SUMMARY

The letter "p" in the momentum formula p=mv stands for "momentum," a term that originates from the Latin word "pulsus," meaning "to push." This nomenclature is rooted in Isaac Newton's work, particularly in his seminal text, "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica." The discussion emphasizes that while the choice of symbols may seem arbitrary, they serve to express relationships between physical quantities rather than mere memorization of formulas.

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  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly momentum.
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion.
  • Knowledge of the historical context of scientific terminology.
  • Ability to interpret mathematical symbols in physics equations.
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  • Research the historical significance of terminology in physics, focusing on Newton's "Principia."
  • Explore the derivation and implications of the momentum formula p=mv.
  • Investigate other common physics symbols and their origins.
  • Learn about the relationship between physical quantities in classical mechanics.
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Physics educators, students studying mechanics, and anyone interested in the historical context of scientific terminology will benefit from this discussion.

Mrs. Callahan
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While teaching momentum, we use the formula p=mv.

Every year it comes up as to why the letter p is used in the formula and not other letters or symbols. I have conducted on-line searches and I stumble across explanations that mention Newton and his Principia along with other possible suggestions stated here:

http://2000clicks.com/mathhelp/PhysicsMomentum.aspx

Is there a reliable source out there that can difinitively explain the p in the formula p=mv?
 
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We get similar questions a lot, such as "why m for slope". I think these questions tend to obscure the important thing in the equations: they express relations between quantities, and are not formulas (i.e. recipes) to be memorized and incanted later as needed. No, I don't know why p, but why not p?
 
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