Is momentum a vector or a scalar quantity?

Momentum of an object is the product of its mass and velocity (p=m x v). Since mass is a scalar quantity and velocity is a vector quantity, we can derive that momentum must therefore be a vector quantity as the product of a vector with a scalar is a vector. We can also see that momentum is a vector quantity as a vector quantity is one that has both magnitude and direction. If we picture a car driving down the road with momentum p: the momentum of the car has both magnitude and direction (the direction of this momentum is the direction in which the car is traveling).

MN
Answered by Madeleine N. Physics tutor

77041 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Compare the medical uses of ultrasound and X-rays. Your answer should include the risks, if any, and precautions, if any, associated with the use of ultrasound and X-rays. [6 marks]


If a student uses an electric kettle connected to a 230V mains power supply, with a heating power of 1.8kW. Assuming negligable losses, answer the following: a) find the current in the kettle b) find the total energy transferred in 2 minutes of operation


How can an object accelerate without changing speed?


Calculate the distance travelled by the ball traveling at 3m/s for 60 seconds


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning