3.4.1.6
Momentum is the product of mass and velocity
Newton's Laws & Momentum — AQA A-Level Physics
Key Definition
Linear momentum — The product of an object's mass and velocity. p = mv. Unit: kg m s^-1. Momentum is a vector quantity.
$$p = mv$$
- Where:
- $p$ = momentum (kg m s⁻¹)
- $m$ = mass (kg)
- $v$ = velocity (m s⁻¹)
- Momentum has direction: assign positive to the initial direction of motion.
- An object moving in the opposite direction has negative momentum.
- A stationary object has zero momentum.
- A light fast object can have the same momentum as a heavy slow object.