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Understanding Linear Momentum and Force

The linear momentum vector is defined as p=mv, where m is mass and v is the velocity vector. Newton's second law states that the net force is the time derivative of momentum, leading to F=ma when mass is constant. For variable mass systems, the force equation includes an additional term to account for the changing mass, resulting in F=ma+v(dmdt).

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3 views1 page

Understanding Linear Momentum and Force

The linear momentum vector is defined as p=mv, where m is mass and v is the velocity vector. Newton's second law states that the net force is the time derivative of momentum, leading to F=ma when mass is constant. For variable mass systems, the force equation includes an additional term to account for the changing mass, resulting in F=ma+v(dmdt).

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mding994x
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Define the linear momentum vector

p=mv,\mathbf{p} = m\mathbf{v},p=mv,

where mmm is the mass and v\mathbf{v}v the velocity vector.

Define force as rate of change of momentum

Newton’s second law (modern form) defines the net force F\mathbf{F}F as the time derivative
of momentum:

F≡dpdt.\mathbf{F} \equiv \dfrac{d\mathbf{p}}{dt}.F≡dtdp.

Case 1 — mass constant

If the mass mmm is constant in time (the typical case for a rigid body or particle of fixed mass),
differentiate:

F=ddt(mv)=mdvdt=ma,\mathbf{F}=\frac{d}{dt}(m\mathbf{v}) = m\frac{d\mathbf{v}}{dt} =
m\mathbf{a},F=dtd(mv)=mdtdv=ma,

because dvdt=a\dfrac{d\mathbf{v}}{dt}=\mathbf{a}dtdv=a (the acceleration vector).


Thus, in vector form,

F=ma\boxed{\mathbf{F}=m\mathbf{a}}F=ma

and this equation holds for all components — i.e. Fx=max, Fy=may, Fz=maz.F_x = m a_x,\; F_y
= m a_y,\; F_z = m a_z.Fx=max,Fy=may,Fz=maz.

Case 2 — mass variable (more general)

If the mass changes with time (e.g., a rocket losing mass), use the product rule:

F=ddt(mv)=mdvdt+vdmdt=ma+v dmdt.\mathbf{F}=\frac{d}{dt}(m\mathbf{v}) = m\frac{d\


mathbf{v}}{dt} + \mathbf{v}\frac{dm}{dt} = m\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{v}\,\frac{dm}{dt}.F=dtd
(mv)=mdtdv+vdtdm=ma+vdtdm.

So F=ma\mathbf{F}=m\mathbf{a}F=ma only when dmdt=0\dfrac{dm}{dt}=0dtdm=0. For


variable mass systems you must include the extra term (or better: treat the system boundaries
carefully — momentum flux terms appear for open systems like rockets).

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