I'm studying for a physics test and my study sheet says that objects can have momentum in 2 and 3 dimensions. Obviously I can understand 2, but how would 3 work out?
2006-12-13 12:00:20 · 4 answers · asked by person 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
fizixx -- I understand how an object can HAVE 3 dimensions, I just don't get how it can have MOMENTUM in three dimensions. Like, say an object has momentum going horizontally to the right, and momentum going down. What other direction could it have momentum in?
2006-12-13 12:07:53 · update #1
jpferrierjr -- Ah, I get it now. That makes sense. :)
2006-12-13 12:10:03 · update #2
In an X,Y,and Z quadrant. Think about, an object could be coming towards you, going up and to the right at the same time. Like when someone throws a ball to you. There's 3 dimensions (up, right, toward) right there
2006-12-13 12:05:32 · answer #1 · answered by jpferrierjr 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK!
Momentum equals velocity times mass.
Velocity is a vector measurement of the rate of change of displacement from a fixed point. In otherwards, velocity is made up of speed (how fast) and direction (where to).
Therefore velocity can happen in a straight line (1-D), in a plane (2-D) or in space (3-D). Think of the space shuttle launch: the ship has mass and velocity as it rises into space, and so has a momentum at each point of its ascending and orbit.
2006-12-13 20:03:40 · answer #2 · answered by Jerry P 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
if an object moves in a strait line,and it ends 2in above the start,2in left from start,and 2in behind,it would have moved in 3D.
[or imagine if something moves from a corner of a box to the middle of the box]
2006-12-13 21:31:07 · answer #3 · answered by the professor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about a sphere.
Cube
Rectangular solid
Pyramid
Etc
Does that help??
2006-12-13 20:03:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋