How is momentum defined?

Prepare for the NCFE Physical Science Exam with engaging flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Equip yourself with hints and explanations for a successful pass. Start studying today!

Momentum is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. This means that the greater the mass of an object, or the faster it is moving, the greater its momentum will be. Mathematically, momentum (often represented by the symbol 'p') can be expressed as:

p = m × v

where 'm' is the mass and 'v' is the velocity. This definition is crucial because momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, which reflects the velocity of the object. Understanding momentum is essential in physical science as it plays a key role in analyzing collisions and movements of objects in various contexts.

Other options involved different physical concepts—force times distance relates to work, energy times speed does not have a straightforward physical interpretation in the context of momentum, and mass divided by velocity would give a quantity that does not correspond to any standard physical property associated with momentum.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy