momentum

     

In classical mechanics, momentum (pl. momenta; SI unit kg·m/s, or, equivalently, N·s) is the prouct of the mass and velocity of an object (p = mv). For more accurate measures of momentum, see the section "modern definitions of momentum" on this page. It is sometimes referred to as linear momentum to distinguish it from the related subject of angular momentum. Linear momentum is a vector quantity, since it has a direction as well as a magnitude. Angular momentum is a pseudovector quantity because it gains an additional sign flip under an improper rotation. The total momentum of any group of objects remains the same unless outside forces act on the objects.

Trivia about momentum

  • (Jimmy of the Clue Crew performs an experiment in mechanics.) Drop a matchbox, & it falls over, but open the box, & it stands, because the drawer sliding shut uses the stabilizing power of this, defined as mass times velocity
  • (Sarah of the Clue Crew reports) The spin of a frisbee keeps it stable in flight, illustrating angular this
  • (Jimmy of the Clue Crew repeatedly drops onto the table a springed apparatus that lands on four feet, like a cat.) Cats are able to land on their feet because their flexible spines allow them to rotate in midair without violating the principle of conservation of this angular quantity
  • Collisions demonstrate the law of conservation of this, the product of mass & velocity
  • (Jimmy of the Clue Crew holds a bicycle wheel) When I torque a spinning bike wheel, an equal and opposite torque causes me to rotate also, an illustration of the conservation of angular this
  • In classical physics, laws of conservation cover mass, energy & this, equal to mass times velocity
  • (Jon of the Clue Crew shows himself on the monitor, swiveling around in a chair with dumbbells in his hands, extending and contracting his arms.) When I draw my arms inward, my angular velocity increases because my angular mass decreases; the product of those two quantities is called angular this

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