Momentum

Momentum

Momentum, as described in the Webster's dictionary, is the strength or force that something has when it is moving. We use the letter P to describe because m is used by mass and getting those two things confused is so not the haps.  

Formulas Used in Momentum:

Momentum (P) = m (mass) x v (velocity)

Impulse (change of P) = F (average Force) x t (change in time)

One of the key things you need to understand about momentum is the Law of Conservation of Momentum (in isolated system, momentum will we be conserved). For example, an apparatus (see picture below) is a prime example of an isolated system where momentum is conserved. Through collision when you hit one ball from one side of the apparatus, the ball on the opposing side of the apparatus is the one that moves. But you also have to notice that none of the other balls in the middle move when the initial ball is moved, only the ball on the opposing end. This demonstrates that the momentum is distributed through all the balls and it's actually pretty cool to watch. 

Momentum: Now what about situations where momentum is not in a conserved, isolated area such as the apparatus? Would the objects go all over the place in a chaotic fashion? Depending on their mass and velocity, maybe. 

In the picture above we can see a great example of momentum and how it is distributed among these pool balls. By apply enough force onto the Que. ball, and by hitting the pyramid of balls, breaking the balls is not a hard thing to do. But notice how the balls distribute, the point of breaking the balls in the first place is to distribute them across the table. This is achieved through momentum. Now how exactly does this happen? Well as described in the definition above, momentum is the strength or force that something has when it is moving or accelerating and when that strength or force is applied with the Que. ball it causes the balls to move. Here ends the reading.