Momentum Differential Formula |
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| \( dp \;=\; m \cdot dv \) | ||
| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \( dp \) = Momentum Differential | \(lbm-ft \;/\; sec\) | \(kg-m \;/\; s\) |
| \( m \) = Mass | \(lbm\) | \(kg\) |
| \( dv \) = Infinitesimally Small Change in Velocity | \( sec \) | \( s \) |
Momentum differential, abbreviated as \(dp\), is an infinitesimally small change in an object's momentum. The momentum differential captures this tiny, instantaneous change rather than a finite difference, allowing physicists to analyze motion with precision when forces vary with time. The momentum differential is used when studying systems with variable forces, continuous mass flow, or dynamic interactions where instantaneous behavior matters.
Momentum Differential (Mass not Constant) Formula |
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| \( dp \;=\; v \cdot dm + m \cdot dv \) | ||
| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \( dp \) = Momentum Differential | \(lbm-ft \;/\; sec\) | \(kg-m \;/\; s\) |
| \( v \) = Velocity | \(ft \;/\; sec \) | \(m \;/\; s \) |
| \( dm \) = Infinitesimally Small Change in Mass | \(lbm\) | \(kg\) |
| \( m \) = Mass | \(lbm\) | \(kg\) |
| \( dv \) = Infinitesimally Small Change in Velocity | \(ft \;/\; sec \) | \(m \;/\; s \) |