Final answer:
Linear momentum is defined as the product of a system's mass multiplied by its velocity. It is represented by the equation p = mv. The greater an object's mass or velocity, the greater its momentum.
Step-by-step explanation:
Linear momentum (momentum for brevity) is defined as the product of a system's mass multiplied by its velocity. In symbols, linear momentum p is defined to be p = mv, where m is the mass of the system and v is its velocity. The SI unit for momentum is kg. m/s. Newton's second law of motion in terms of momentum states that the net external force equals the change in momentum of a system divided by the time over which it changes.
Example: If a car with a mass of 1000 kg is traveling with a velocity of 20 m/s, the momentum of the car is p = (1000 kg)(20 m/s) = 20,000 kg·m/s.