How is momentum mathematically defined?

How is momentum mathematically defined?

• A. p = m + v
• B. p = m / v
• C. p = mv
• D. p = m - v

Answer: (C)

Momentum is mathematically defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. This relationship is captured by the formula \( p = mv \), where \( p \) represents momentum, \( m \) is the mass of the object, and \( v \) is its velocity. Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, and it reflects how much motion an object has due to its mass and speed. This definition is critical in mechanics as it describes the motion of objects and helps in understanding collisions, conservation laws, and other principles in physics. For example, in a closed system, the total momentum before and after an event, such as a collision, remains constant. The other options present incorrect mathematical representations that do not correspond to the physical definition of momentum and do not reflect the relationship between mass, velocity, and momentum. Thus, the correct formula \( p = mv \) is fundamental to analyzing the motion and interactions of objects in physics.

Momentum is mathematically defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. This relationship is captured by the formula ( p = mv ), where ( p ) represents momentum, ( m ) is the mass of the object, and ( v ) is its velocity. Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, and it reflects how much motion an object has due to its mass and speed.

This definition is critical in mechanics as it describes the motion of objects and helps in understanding collisions, conservation laws, and other principles in physics. For example, in a closed system, the total momentum before and after an event, such as a collision, remains constant.

The other options present incorrect mathematical representations that do not correspond to the physical definition of momentum and do not reflect the relationship between mass, velocity, and momentum. Thus, the correct formula ( p = mv ) is fundamental to analyzing the motion and interactions of objects in physics.