/-/https/www.sciencebuddies.org/cdn/Files/21464/5/sb-logo.png){kind=logo}
/-/https/www.sciencebuddies.org/cdn/Files/21464/5/sb-logo.png){kind=logo}
Momentum question
Moderators: AmyCowen, kgudger, bfinio, MadelineB, Moderators
-
deleted-447084
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2017 5:24 pm
- Occupation: Parent
Momentum question
Which one would have more momentum a 50 kg baseball player or a 25 kg figure skater traveling west? thanks!
-
theborg
- Former Expert
- Posts: 360
- Joined: Mon Oct 03, 2011 12:26 pm
- Occupation: Space Test Analyst
- Project Question: "To explain all nature is too difficult a task for any one man. 'Tis much better to do a little with certainty and leave the rest for others that come after you, than to explain all things by conjecture without making sure of anything." - Sir Isaac Newton
- Project Due Date: N/A
- Project Status: Not applicable
Re: Momentum question
scienceuser12,
Thank you for your question and welcome to the forum.
Momentum is a vector quantity that includes the velocity of an object, meaning an objects change of position over time is important.
The equation is: momentum (kg*m/s) = mass (kg) * velocity (m/s)
The 50kg ball player has no movement in any direction, therefore no velocity and therefore momentum = 0 (50kg * 0m/s = 0kg*m/s). The 25kg ice skater has a direction of travel therefor a non-zero velocity in that direction, giving the ice skater a non-zero momentum greater than the ball player.
Thank you for your question and welcome to the forum.
Momentum is a vector quantity that includes the velocity of an object, meaning an objects change of position over time is important.
The equation is: momentum (kg*m/s) = mass (kg) * velocity (m/s)
The 50kg ball player has no movement in any direction, therefore no velocity and therefore momentum = 0 (50kg * 0m/s = 0kg*m/s). The 25kg ice skater has a direction of travel therefor a non-zero velocity in that direction, giving the ice skater a non-zero momentum greater than the ball player.
Hope this helps.
theborg
----------
Science Buddies science fair guide:
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml
Science Buddies project ideas:
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml
theborg
----------
Science Buddies science fair guide:
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml
Science Buddies project ideas:
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml
-
deleted-447084
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2017 5:24 pm
- Occupation: Parent
Re: Momentum question
Thank you so much, very helpful 
-
amyC
- Site Admin
- Posts: 1130
- Joined: Mon Dec 15, 2008 3:38 pm
- Occupation: Science Buddies
- Project Question: N/A
- Project Due Date: N/A
- Project Status: Not applicable
Re: Momentum question
Please keep in mind that the Ask an Expert forums are for questions about your science project. Please do not use the forums for questions related to homework.
(I know you received this same information from a moderator in response to the other question you posted.)
Science Buddies
(I know you received this same information from a moderator in response to the other question you posted.)
Science Buddies