Question detail
A car has a mass of 1200 kg and is moving at a velocity of 15 m/s. Calculate the momentum of the car Explain your answer using Momentum and conservation of momentum (HT only) and mass.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Momentum
Question
A car has a mass of 1200 kg and is moving at a velocity of 15 m/s. Calculate the momentum of the car Explain your answer using Momentum and conservation of momentum (HT only) and mass.
Answer
The momentum of the car is 18000 kg·m/s.
Explanation
A strong answer should address (HT only) Use the equation momentum = mass x velocity directly. Use the context of Momentum and conservation of momentum (HT only) within Momentum, then state the relevant forces or motion reasoning with units where needed. The answer is correct when it names the key physics quantity, keeps mass and weight distinct, and links the conclusion back to the approved learning objective.
Common mistake
Misidentifying momentum as kinetic energy
Students often confuse momentum (p = mv) with kinetic energy (Ek = ½mv²) and use the wrong formula when calculating momentum.
Remember that momentum is a vector quantity given by p = m × v, while kinetic energy is a scalar given by Ek = ½ m v². Use the correct formula based on the question’s requirement.
Related flashcards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Related practice questions
Question 1 of 5
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.