Final answer:
The momentum of a 0.30 kg softball moving at 15 m/s is calculated using the formula p = m * v, which results in 4.5 kg·m/s, making option a) the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the momentum of an object, you can use the formula p = m * v, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity. The question provides us with a mass of 0.30 kg for the softball and a velocity of 15 m/s. Using the formula, we can find the momentum by multiplying the two values together:
p = m * v
= 0.30 kg * 15 m/s
= 4.5 kg·m/s
Reviewing the multiple choice options provided, option a) 4.5 kg m/s is the correct answer for the softball's momentum.
Momentum is a measure of the motion of an object and is dependent on the object's mass and velocity. A larger mass or higher velocity will result in a higher momentum. It's a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. The importance of understanding momentum comes into play in various physics problems, including collisions and conservation of momentum scenarios.