Question

Can someone please explain how to find impulse when momentum is not given, only mass and velocity are given

Answer 1

To calculate impulse without given momentum, use the impulse-momentum theorem and the mass and velocity given to find the change in momentum, which equals the impulse.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find impulse when only mass and velocity are given, we can use the impulse-momentum theorem. This theorem states that impulse is equal to the change in momentum (final momentum minus initial momentum). Since momentum is the product of mass and velocity, you can calculate the change in momentum by multiplying the mass by the change in velocity (final velocity minus initial velocity).

Here's a step-by-step process:

1. Find the initial momentum by multiplying the mass by the initial velocity.
2. Find the final momentum by multiplying the mass by the final velocity (if the final velocity is not given, assume it to be zero for a full stop).
3. To find the change in momentum, subtract the initial momentum from the final momentum, taking into account the direction of the velocity vectors (keeping vector signs in consideration).
4. The result of Step 3 gives you the impulse, as impulse is the change in momentum.

Remember, impulse has both magnitude and direction, making it a vector quantity.

Answer 2

You're in luck ! Momentum is the product of (mass) times (velocity).

So if you're given mass and velocity, simply multiply them, and voila,
you have the momentum.