Chapter 6, Problem 1RCQ

Which has a greater momentum: a heavy truck at rest or a moving skateboard?

To determine

A greater momentum from the following, (1) a heavy truck at rest and (2) a moving skateboard.

Answer to Problem 1RCQ

Solution: A moving skateboard has more momentum.

Explanation of Solution

Formula used:

The momentum of an object is given by:

$P=m\times v$

Here,

$P$ is the momentum of the object

$m$ is the mass of the object

$v$ is the velocity of the object

Momentum can be defined as the product of mass and velocity of the object.

The truck rest will have zero velocity, therefore the momentum of the truck is also 0.

The moving skateboard has some value of velocity; therefore, the skateboard has momentum greater than 0.

Hence, the momentum of the moving skateboard is greater than the truck at rest.

Conclusion:

Since the truck is at rest, therefore, the skateboard has a greater value of momentum.