Momentum

Definition

Momentum is the quantity of motion an object has, which is the product of its mass and velocity. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In celestial mechanics, momentum plays a crucial role in determining the orbits of planets and other celestial bodies.
2. Newton's Second Law states that the rate of change of momentum is proportional to the applied force.
3. The conservation of momentum principle implies that in an isolated system, total momentum remains constant if no external forces act on it.
4. Angular momentum, a specific form of momentum, is particularly important for understanding rotational movements in astronomy.
5. Gravitational interactions between two bodies can result in changes in their individual momenta while conserving the total system's momentum.

Review Questions

• How does Newton's Second Law relate to changes in an object's momentum?
• What principle ensures that the total momentum of an isolated system remains constant?
• Why is angular momentum important when studying celestial objects?

Related terms

Newton's Second Law: Describes how the force acting on an object relates to its mass and acceleration.

Conservation of Momentum:

Principle stating that the total momentum in a closed system remains constant over time.

Angular Momentum:

A measure of rotation which depends on an object's moment of inertia and angular velocity.