Question

Use dimensional analysis and the definition of momentum for our class to determine the SI units of momentum in base units.

a) kg.m/s
b) kg/m.s
c) m^2/s
d) kg/s

Answer 1

The SI units of momentum are derived from the product of mass and velocity, which are kg and m/s, respectively. Thus, the correct units for momentum are kg·m/s.

Step-by-step explanation:

Using dimensional analysis and the definition of momentum, the SI units of momentum are derived from the product of mass (m) and velocity (v). Since mass has units of kilograms (kg) and velocity has units of meters per second (m/s), the product of these two gives the SI units of momentum. Furthermore, according to Newton's second law of motion in terms of momentum, the net external force equals the change in momentum of a system divided by the time over which it changes. Consequently, this confirms that the SI unit for momentum is indeed kg·m/s, matching option a).