CBSENEETJEEClass 9
Is momentum a scalar or a vector?
Answer
Momentum is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction, the same direction as the body's velocity.
The working
Definition
Momentum p = mv is the product of mass (a scalar) and velocity (a vector).
Why vector
Multiplying a vector (velocity) by a scalar (mass) gives a vector, so momentum has direction as well as magnitude.
Direction
The direction of momentum is always the same as the direction of the body's velocity.
Consequence
Because it is a vector, momenta must be added using vector rules, which is essential in collision and conservation problems.
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