AP Physics C: Mechanics Flashcards: Linear Momentum
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
Is linear momentum a scalar or a vector quantity?
Linear momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
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Is linear momentum a scalar or a vector quantity?
Linear momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
What is the mathematical equation for linear momentum?
The equation for linear momentum is $\vec{p}=m\vec{v}$, where $\vec{p}$ is momentum, m is mass, and $\vec{v}$ is velocity.
According to the equation $\vec{p}=m\vec{v}$, if an object's velocity doubles while its mass remains constant, what happens to its momentum?
Its momentum also doubles, as momentum is directly proportional to velocity.
What determines the direction of an object's linear momentum?
The direction of an object's linear momentum is the same as the direction of its velocity.
Define linear momentum.
Linear momentum is a vector quantity defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity.
An object with mass (m) is at rest. What is its linear momentum?
The object's linear momentum is zero, because its velocity ($\vec{v}$) is zero in the equation $\vec{p}=m\vec{v}$.
What physical properties of an object are multiplied to calculate its linear momentum?
An object's linear momentum is calculated by multiplying its mass (m) and its velocity ($\vec{v}$).
A car is traveling west. What is the direction of its linear momentum?
The direction of the car's linear momentum is also west, as momentum shares the same direction as velocity.
Two objects have the same velocity, but Object A has twice the mass of Object B. How does the momentum of A compare to B?
Object A has twice the momentum of Object B because momentum is directly proportional to mass.
How does the momentum vector ($\vec{p}$) relate to the velocity vector ($\vec{v}$)?
The momentum vector ($\vec{p}$) has the same direction as the velocity vector ($\vec{v}$).