What is momentum defined as?

Momentum is defined as the product of mass and velocity of an object. This relationship is foundational in physics, as it conveys how much motion an object has. The formula for momentum is typically expressed as ( p = mv ), where ( p ) denotes momentum, ( m ) is the mass of the object, and ( v ) is its velocity.

When an object has a larger mass or is moving at a higher velocity, its momentum increases correspondingly. This concept is crucial when analyzing collisions, movement in a given direction, and the effects of forces acting on objects. Understanding momentum allows for the prediction of an object’s behavior in motion, helping in areas such as accident reconstruction in paramedical settings and sports science.

Options that involve dividing mass by velocity or referring to free fall or the net sum of forces are not aligned with the definition of momentum. These terms pertain to different aspects of motion and forces within physics, but they do not capture the essence of what momentum represents.