Question

Ball A

Mass: 0.45 kg

Velocity: 50 m/s

Ball B

Mass: 0.45 kg

Velocity: 80 m/s

Ball C

Mass: 0.45 kg

Velocity: 25 m/s

Which ball has the greatest momentum?

A
B
C

Answer 1

Momentum p = m v. Since masses are equal, the ball with the largest speed has the largest momentum.

p_A = 0.45×50 = 22.5 kg·m/s
p_B = 0.45×80 = 36 kg·m/s
p_C = 0.45×25 = 11.25 kg·m/s

So Ball B has the greatest momentum.