Science
Impulse and momentum.
Definition
Momentum is the product of an object's mass and velocity (p = mv), representing how hard it is to stop a moving object. The impulse-momentum theorem states that the impulse applied to an object equals its change in momentum (FΔt = Δp).
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 A heavy truck at low speed having the same momentum as a light car at high speed
- 2 Catching an egg by moving your hand back to increase contact time and reduce force
- 3 Rockets expelling gas backward to gain forward momentum
Key Fact
p = mv; FΔt = mΔv = Δp