Try It

Momentum Calculations Practice

For this Try It, you will be working through a few problems to practice momentum calculations. For each problem, write out your answers in your notebook and then check your answer.

    Problem 1

  1. Calculate the momentum of a 65 kg speed skater moving forward at 15 m/s.

    How to Solve:

    1. First, identify the known and unknown values.

      m = 65 kg

      v = 15 m/s

      p = ?

    2. Add the known values to the formula and solve.

      p = mv

      p = (65 kg)(15 m/s)

      p = 975 kg•m/s

    3. Answer: The momentum of a 65 kg speed skater moving forward at 15 m/s is 975 kg•m/s.


    2. Problem 2

  2. Calculate the momentum of a 52 kg cheetah running north at 30 m/s.

    How to Solve:

    1. First, identify the known and unknown values.

      m = 52 kg

      v = 30 m/s

      p = ?

    2. Add the known values to the formula and solve.

      p = mv

      p = (52 kg)(30 m/s)

      p = 1560 kg•m/s

    3. Answer: The momentum of a 52 kg cheetah running north at 30 m/s is 1560 kg•m/s.


    3. Problem 3

  3. Calculate the momentum of a 49 kg passenger on an airplane that is connected to the loading gate.

    How to Solve:

    1. First, identify the known and unknown values.

      m = 49 kg

      v = 0 m/s

      p = ?

    2. Add the known values to the formula and solve.

      p = mv

      p = (49 kg)(0 m/s)

      p =0 kg•m/s

    3. Answer: The momentum of a 49 kg passenger on an airplane that is connected to the loading gate is 0 kg•m/s.


    4. Problem 4

  4. Calculate the momentum of a 5 kg baby in a car that is moving eastward at 69 m/s.

    How to Solve:

    1. First, identify the known and unknown values.

      m = 5 kg

      v = 69 m/s

      p = ?

    2. Add the known values to the formula and solve.

      p = mv

      p = (5 kg)(69 m/s)

      p = 345 kg•m/s

    3. Answer: The momentum of a 5 kg baby in a car that is moving eastward at 69 m/s is 345 kg•m/s.