Question

If object A has half the mass of object B, but object A moves three times as fast as object B, which object has a greater momentum? Provide proof in your work.

Answer 1

Answer: Object A

Explanation:

If object A has half the mass of object B, that is

Ma = 1/2Mb

but object A moves three times as fast as object B. That is

Va = 3Vb

Momentum is the product of mass and velocity. (MV)

Momentum of A = Ma × Va

= 1/2Mb × 3Vb

= 3/2MbVb

Momentum of A = 1.5 MbVb

Momentum of B = MbVb

Therefore, object A has the greater momentum.