Question

Which of the following will have the greatest momentum?
1. A tractor at rest
2. An average mass person at motion
3. A car moving on a highway with very high velocity
4. A cricket ball thrown by the cricketer

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : A car moving on a highway with very high velocity

The correct answer is option 3) i.e. A car moving on a highway with very high velocity

CONCEPT:

• Linear momentum(p): It is the product of the mass and velocity of an object. i.e.

p = m × v

Where m is mass and v is velocity

EXPLANATION:

• Momentum is directly proportional to the mass and velocity of an object.
• A greater velocity implies more momentum.
• Hence, a car driving on a highway with high velocity will have the greatest momentum.

 

• A tractor at rest will have zero momentum because the velocity is zero.
• An average mass person has less mass as well as less velocity than a car moving on a highway. Hence, its momentum will also be less.
• A cricket ball has high velocity but its mass is very less as compared to the car. Hence, its momentum will also be less.