LINEAR MOMENTUM Meaning and
Definition
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Linear momentum, in the context of physics, refers to a fundamental and measurable property possessed by a moving object. It is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. The measurement of linear momentum is crucial in depicting the motion and behavior of objects, especially in the discipline of mechanics.
This property is denoted by the symbol "p" and is represented mathematically as p = m · v, where "p" represents linear momentum, "m" denotes the mass of the object, and "v" signifies its velocity. The units for linear momentum are kilogram·meter per second (kg·m/s) according to the International System of Units (SI).
Linear momentum is conserved in a closed system, meaning that the total momentum of all objects within the system remains constant unless acted upon by external forces. This principle, known as the law of conservation of momentum, is applicable to a wide range of physical phenomena, such as collisions, explosions, and interactions between objects.
Moreover, linear momentum is vector quantity since it possesses both magnitude and direction. The direction of momentum is determined by the direction of the object's velocity vector. Additionally, the conservation of momentum allows for the analysis and prediction of an object's motion, making it a valuable concept in the study of physics.
Etymology of LINEAR MOMENTUM
The word "linear" in "linear momentum" refers to the fact that momentum is a vector quantity that has direction and magnitude, and it is directly proportional to the velocity of an object. The term "momentum" comes from the Latin word "momentum", which means "movement" or "motion".
