Final answer:
Momentum is calculated by multiplying an object's mass by its velocity, denoted by the equation p = mv. The change in momentum involves the mass times the change in velocity. This concept is integral in physics when dealing with the conservation of momentum and Newton's second law of motion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Momentum is a product of mass and velocity. The equation Δp = Δ(mv) represents the change in momentum, which is the difference between the initial and final values of momentum. It symbolizes that the change in momentum (Δp) is equal to the mass (m) times the change in velocity (Δv). The SI unit for momentum is kilograms meters per second (kg·m/s), and it is an important factor in Newton's second law of motion, which refers to the relationship between net external force and the change in momentum over time.
When analyzing scenarios in physics, particularly in collisions or any other events that involve forces, calculating the change in momentum is crucial for understanding how objects will move and interact. For instance, in a two-object system, the conservation of momentum is given by the equation m1v1 + m2v2 = m1 v'1 + m2v'2, which can be used to solve for unknown quantities when certain masses and velocities are known.