P2.9 HOW MUCH MOTION? (MOMENTUM)

The momentum of an object depends on its velocity and mass.

Objects that have both a large mass and large velocity will have a large momentum but they must be travelling very fast.

Understanding momentum is important for car safety. The mass of the car and how fast it may be travelling in a crash are known, so designers can work out how the momentum can be safely absorbed in a crash.

The momentum of an object is measure is kilogram metres per second (kg m/s).…