How is error in momentum calculated?

The correct choice reflects the concept that momentum is defined as the product of mass and velocity. Therefore, any error in momentum arises directly from inaccuracies in measuring either mass or velocity. When you calculate momentum using the formula ( p = mv ), both mass (( m )) and velocity (( v )) play crucial roles, and if either measurement has an error, it will consequently affect the final calculation of momentum.

Errors in mass measurements might come from an imbalance in scales, while velocity errors could arise from inaccuracies in timing or distance measurement techniques. This understanding highlights that to determine the overall error in momentum, one must analyze how precise the measurements of mass and velocity are.

The other options pertain to different physical concepts or methods that do not directly influence the calculation of momentum errors. For instance, potential energy, average speed, and external forces are not the primary factors in quantifying errors related specifically to momentum.