An object of mass 1 kg is traveling with a constant speed of 10 m/s in the positive x-direction.

Consider case 1 in which the object above comes to a stop in 1 second.

Consider case 2 in which the same object comes to a stop in 10 seconds instead of 1 second.

Which case had the bigger change in momentum?

a. case 1

b. case 2

c. both cases have the same change in momentum

d. it cannot be determined

c. both cases have the same change in momentum

Explanation:

Momentum is a quantity used to measure the motion of a moving body, it can be expressed as;

p = mv

Where p = momentum

m = mass

v = velocity

Change in momentum of an object of the same mass can be expressed as

∆p = m∆v ... 1

From equation 1, since cases 1 and 2 both have the same mass, initial velocity and final velocity.

m = 1kg

v1 = 10m/s

v2 = 0

∆v = 10-0 = 10m/s

∆p = 1kg * 10m/s

∆p = 10kgm/s

Therefore, both cases have equal change in momentum ∆p = 10kgm/s.