What is the momentum of a $50$-kilogram ice skater gliding across the ice at a speed of $5$ m/s?

• A. $500 \mathrm{kg} m/s$
• B. $55 \mathrm{kg} m/s$
• C. $10 \mathrm{kg} m/s$
• D. $250 \mathrm{kg} m/s$

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the given quantities: the mass of the ice skater \(m = 50\) kg and the velocity \(v = 5\) m/s.
2. Recall the formula for momentum, which is the product of mass and velocity: \(p = m \times v\).
3. Substitute the given values into the formula: \(p = 50 \text{ kg} \times 5 \text{ m/s}\).
4. Multiply the mass and velocity to find the momentum: \(p = 250 \text{ kg} \cdot \text{m/s}\).
5. Interpret the result as the momentum of the ice skater moving at the given speed.