How to Find the Total Momentum of Two Objects

To find the total momentum of two objects, you need to add their individual momenta together. Momentum is calculated using the formula:

Momentum (p) = Mass (m) × Velocity (v)

Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

1. Calculate the momentum of the first object using its mass and velocity: p₁ = m₁ × v₁.
2. Calculate the momentum of the second object using its mass and velocity: p₂ = m₂ × v₂.
3. Add the two momenta together to get the total momentum: Total Momentum (p_Total) = p₁ + p₂.

For example, if object one has a mass of 3 kg and a velocity of 4 m/s, its momentum would be:

p₁ = 3 kg × 4 m/s = 12 kg·m/s

If object two has a mass of 2 kg and a velocity of 5 m/s, its momentum would be:

p₂ = 2 kg × 5 m/s = 10 kg·m/s

Now, add the momenta together:

p_Total = 12 kg·m/s + 10 kg·m/s = 22 kg·m/s

So, the total momentum of the two objects is 22 kg·m/s.