How is momentum defined in physics?

Momentum is defined in physics as the product of the mass and velocity of an object. This relationship can be expressed mathematically as ( p = mv ), where ( p ) represents momentum, ( m ) is the mass of the object, and ( v ) is its velocity. The importance of this definition lies in its implications for how objects behave when they are in motion.

Momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction, which is essential in analyzing collisions and interactions between objects. Since momentum depends on both mass and velocity, it captures essential information about an object’s motion.

In contrast to the other options, the definition that momentum is the total kinetic energy or related to force applied over time does not accurately describe what momentum is. Kinetic energy involves the square of velocity, while the force applied over time refers to the concept of impulse, which is related but distinct from the definition of momentum itself.