Question

A 900-kg giraffe runs across a field at a rate of 50 km/hr. What is the magnitude of its momentum?

Answer 1

As per the statement:

A 900-kg giraffe runs across a field at a rate of 50 km/hr.

⇒ m = 900 kg and

`v=50 km/hr`

Use conversion:

`1 km/hr = (5)/(18) m/s`

`v = 50 * (5)/(18) = (250)/(18) m/s`

The magnitude of its momentum is given by:

`p = mv`

where

m is the mass in kg

v is the speed in m/s

Substitute the given value we have;

`p = 900 * (250)/(18) = 50 * 250 = 12500 kg m/s`

Therefore, the magnitude of its momentum is 12500 kg m/s