Which physical quantity is involved in both mass and velocity?

Study for the NCEA Level 2 Mechanics Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare for success!

The correct answer, momentum, is defined as the product of an object’s mass and its velocity. This relationship highlights that both mass, which measures how much matter is in an object, and velocity, which is the speed and direction of that object's motion, directly contribute to momentum. Mathematically, momentum is expressed as ( p = mv ), where ( p ) represents momentum, ( m ) is mass, and ( v ) is velocity. This equation shows how an object's inertia (mass) and its movement (velocity) are combined to give a complete picture of its motion.

The other options involve different physical concepts that do not directly incorporate both mass and velocity together. Energy, for example, can take several forms and is related to the ability of a system to perform work but does not specifically combine mass and velocity in the same straightforward manner. Force involves mass and acceleration (as expressed in Newton's second law, ( F = ma )), but not velocity directly. Torque pertains to rotational motion and involves force and distance from a pivot point, unrelated to the direct combination of mass and velocity. Therefore, momentum is the key quantity that incorporates both mass and velocity simultaneously, making it the correct choice.

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