Linear Momentum Lab Activity
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We say that momentum is "inertia in motion." In other words, in order for an object to have a non-zero momentum, it must have inertia (mass) and it must be moving (it must have a non-zero velocity). Furthermore, the linear momentum of an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by the velocity of the object. See the linear momentum formula below.
We can abbreviate the linear momentum formula as shown below.
Momentum is a vector quantity. In other words, you must use a magnitude (a number with a unit or set of units, if necessary) AND a direction when expressing momentum, unless momentum is equal to zero.
Note: Any time you multiply or divide a vector quantity by a scalar quantity, the result is a vector quantity. For example, in the linear momentum formula above, you multiply mass (a scalar quantity) by velocity (a vector quantity), and the result is linear momentum (a vector quantity).
Alternatively, if you multiply or divide a scalar quantity by another scalar quantity, the result will be a scalar quantity.
Note: Any time you multiply or divide a vector quantity by a scalar quantity, the result is a vector quantity. For example, in the linear momentum formula above, you multiply mass (a scalar quantity) by velocity (a vector quantity), and the result is linear momentum (a vector quantity).
Alternatively, if you multiply or divide a scalar quantity by another scalar quantity, the result will be a scalar quantity.
Is the Result a Scalar or a Vector Quantity? Self-Quiz
Matching exercise
Select whether each operation on the left will result in a vector or scalar quantity.
When you multiply two vector quantities, you can get either a vector or a scalar result depending on the kind of vector multiplication you perform.
Click HERE if you would like to learn more about vectors and vector operations.
Click HERE if you would like to learn more about vectors and vector operations.