Question

Compare the momenta of a 6300 kg elephant walking 0.11 m/s and a 50 kg dolphin swimming 10.4 m/s

Answer 1

First sum applied the Newton's second law motion: F = ma Force = mass* acceleration This motion define force as the product of mass times Acceleration (vs.Velocity). Since acceleration is the change in velocity divided by time, force=(mass*velocity)/time such that, (mass*velocity)/time=momentum/time Therefore we get mass*velocity=momentum Momentum=mass*velocity Elephant mass=6300 kg; velocity=0.11 m/s Momentum=6300*0.11 P=693 kg (m/s) Dolphin mass=50 kg; velocity=10.4 m/s Momentum=50*10.4 P=520 kg (m/s) The elephant has more momentum(P) because it is large.