QuestionDecember 13, 2025

1. Explain how a freight train moving slowly can have more momentum than a fast-moving car. What does this reveal about the relative importance of mass versus velocity?

1. Explain how a freight train moving slowly can have more momentum than a fast-moving car. What does this reveal about the relative importance of mass versus velocity?
1. Explain how a freight train moving slowly can have more momentum than a fast-moving car. What does this reveal about the relative importance of mass versus velocity?

Solution
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Answer

A slow freight train can have more momentum than a fast car because its much greater mass outweighs the car’s higher speed; thus, mass is as crucial as velocity in determining momentum. Explanation 1. State the momentum formula Momentum is given by p = mv, where m is mass and v is velocity. 2. Compare mass and velocity effects A freight train has a much larger m than a car, so even with small v, p can be large. A car’s m is much smaller, so it needs a much higher v to match the train’s p. 3. Interpret the result Mass can compensate for low velocity in determining momentum; both are equally important, but large mass can dominate.

Explanation

1. State the momentum formula<br /> Momentum is given by $p = mv$, where $m$ is mass and $v$ is velocity.<br />2. Compare mass and velocity effects<br /> A freight train has a much larger $m$ than a car, so even with small $v$, $p$ can be large. A car’s $m$ is much smaller, so it needs a much higher $v$ to match the train’s $p$.<br />3. Interpret the result<br /> Mass can compensate for low velocity in determining momentum; both are equally important, but large mass can dominate.
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