Topic: Intro to Momentum. Which of the following objects has the least linear momentum magnitude?

• A. A $1kg$ ball moving at $4m/s$
• B. A $0.25kg$ toy car moving at $20m/s$
• C. A $2kg$ cart moving at $3m/s$
• D. A $0.5kg$ puck moving at $5m/s$

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that linear momentum \(p\) is given by the formula \(p = m \times v\), where \(m\) is the mass of the object and \(v\) is its velocity.
2. Calculate the momentum for each object by multiplying its mass and velocity: For example, for the 1 kg ball moving at 4 m/s, compute \(p = 1 \times 4\).
3. Repeat the calculation for the 0.25 kg toy car moving at 20 m/s, the 2 kg cart moving at 3 m/s, and the 0.5 kg puck moving at 5 m/s.
4. Compare the momentum values obtained for all objects to determine which one has the smallest magnitude of linear momentum.
5. Identify the object with the least linear momentum magnitude as the one with the smallest product of mass and velocity.