Consider the physical quantity called linear momentum
PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
Consider the physical quantity called linear momentum.
(i) Define linear momentum and state its SI unit.
(ii) Using the symbols m for mass and v for velocity, distinguish clearly between the momentum vector p and the magnitude p of momentum. Comment on why one is treated as a vector while the other is a scalar.
(iii) If a body of mass m moves with a velocity whose direction makes an angle θ with the positive x–axis, explain, without using specific numbers, how you would express (a) the momentum vector and (b) its magnitude. Show your reasoning in each case.