What happens to the velocity of an object when it has momentum?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 2 Physics Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The relationship between velocity and momentum is fundamentally important in physics. Momentum is the product of an object's mass and its velocity, expressed mathematically as ( p = mv ), where ( p ) represents momentum, ( m ) is mass, and ( v ) is velocity.

When considering the correct choice, velocity plays a crucial role in determining both the magnitude and the direction of momentum. A change in velocity will result in a change in momentum, affecting how the object moves in a given direction. Hence, it’s accurate to say that velocity dictates the direction of the momentum because the direction of the momentum vector aligns with the direction of the velocity vector.

In contrast, momentum cannot be irrelevant to velocity, as momentum is explicitly defined by it. It is also incorrect to state that the velocity must always be constant because an object can experience changes in velocity while still having momentum. Lastly, the assertion that velocity causes the object to accelerate indefinitely is not founded because an object’s acceleration is influenced by net forces acting upon it, rather than solely by its velocity or momentum.

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