Linear Momentum and Acceleration

In summary, linear momentum is a measure of an object's motion determined by its mass and velocity, while acceleration is the rate of change of an object's velocity. An increase in linear momentum leads to a corresponding increase in acceleration, according to Newton's second law of motion. An object can have linear momentum without acceleration if it is moving at a constant velocity. The mass of an object directly affects its linear momentum and acceleration, with greater mass resulting in a larger linear momentum and requiring a larger force for acceleration. The SI unit for linear momentum is kilogram meters per second (kg m/s) and for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s^2).
  • #1
XSethX
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Homework Statement


If acceleration is not equal to 0, then which of the following must not be able to stay constant?
I: Speed
II: Linear Momentum
III: Kinetic Energy

(Select any 1, 2, or all of the above, or all of the above)

Homework Equations


KE = (1/2)mv^2
P = mv

The Attempt at a Solution


I think that it's only II... I thought that speed can stay constant (for example centripetal acceleration) and kinetic energy by the same reason can stay constant...
 
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  • #3
Sounds good to me... the question is checking that you realize about vector quantities.
 

FAQ: Linear Momentum and Acceleration

What is the difference between linear momentum and acceleration?

Linear momentum is a measure of an object's motion, determined by its mass and velocity. Acceleration, on the other hand, is the rate of change of an object's velocity. In simpler terms, linear momentum is the quantity of an object's motion, while acceleration is the change in that motion over time.

How are linear momentum and acceleration related?

According to Newton's second law of motion, an object's acceleration is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. This means that an increase in an object's linear momentum will result in a corresponding increase in its acceleration.

Can an object have linear momentum without acceleration?

Yes, an object can have linear momentum without acceleration. This can occur when the object is moving at a constant velocity, as there is no change in its motion over time. In this case, the object's linear momentum remains constant.

How does mass affect an object's linear momentum and acceleration?

The mass of an object has a direct impact on both its linear momentum and acceleration. Objects with greater mass will have a greater linear momentum, and will require a larger force to accelerate. On the other hand, objects with smaller mass will have a smaller linear momentum and can be accelerated with a smaller force.

What is the unit of measurement for linear momentum and acceleration?

The SI unit for linear momentum is kilogram meters per second (kg m/s), while the SI unit for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s^2). These units can also be expressed in different forms, such as newton seconds (Ns) for linear momentum and newtons (N) for acceleration.

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