What does the term '∆p' represent?

The term '∆p' represents the change in momentum. In physics, momentum is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity, expressed mathematically as p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity. The symbol '∆' (delta) indicates a change in a quantity, so '∆p' signifies the difference in momentum between two states, often calculated as the final momentum minus the initial momentum.

Understanding this concept is crucial in analyzing the effects of forces acting on objects and understanding how motion changes over time. For instance, when an external force is applied to an object, the change in momentum can be determined using Newton’s second law, which states that the force acting on an object is equal to the rate of change of its momentum. Thus, '∆p' plays a significant role in mechanics, especially in contexts involving collisions, movement, and impulse.