GCSEPhysics: Combined ScienceAQARevision Notes5. Forces5.7 Momentum5.7.1 Momentum

Momentum (AQA GCSE Physics: Combined Science)

Revision Note

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Calculating Momentum

  • A moving object has momentum which is defined by the equation:

p = mv

  • Where:
    • p = momentum in kilogram metre per second (kg m/s)
    • m = mass in kilograms (kg)
    • v = velocity in metres per second (m/s)

  • This means that an object at rest (i.e v = 0) has no momentum
  • Momentum keeps an object moving in the same direction, making it difficult to change the direction of an object with a large momentum
  • Since velocity is a vector this means that the momentum of an object also depends on its direction of travel
  • This means that momentum can be either positive or negative
    • If an object travelling to the right has positive momentum, an object travelling in the opposite direction (to the left) will have negative momentum

Negative momentum, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

The tennis ball's momentum is negative when it moves in the opposite direction to which it initially was travelling in

  • Therefore, the momentum of an object will change if:
    • The object accelerates (speeds up) or decelerates (slows down)
    • Changes direction
    • Its mass changes

Worked example

Which object has the most momentum?WE - Momentum comparison question image, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

WE - Momentum comparison answer image, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

  • Both the tennis ball and the brick have the same momentum
  • Even though the brick is much heavier than the ball, the ball is travelling much faster than the brick
  • This means that on impact, they would both exert a similar force (depending on the time it takes for each to come to rest)

Examiner Tip

Remember the units of momentum as kg m/s which is the product of the units of mass (kg) and velocity (m/s).Which direction is taken as positive is completely up to you in the exam. In general, the right and upwards are taken as positive, and down or to the left as negative.

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    Ashika

    Author: Ashika

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    Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.