Why the answer is C, and why the others tempt you.
**The reasoning**
Momentum is simply **mass × velocity**. Think of it as "how much motion an object carries."
The formula is:
**p = mv**
Where:
- p = momentum
- m = mass = 2 kg
- v = velocity = 5 m/s
So: p = 2 kg × 5 m/s = **10 kg·m/s**
That's it! Straight multiplication. This is the **principle of linear momentum** — the product of how heavy something is and how fast it's moving.
**Why the wrong options tempt you**
- **A) 2.5** — You divided (2 ÷ 5) instead of multiplying. Classic panic mistake!
- **B) 7** — You added (2 + 5). Momentum isn't a sum; it's a product.
- **D) 25** — You squared the velocity (5²) then forgot about the 2 kg properly, or mixed up kinetic energy formula (½mv²).
**Quick takeaway**
Momentum = mass × velocity. No tricks, no shortcuts — just multiply the two numbers and attach the unit kg·m/s. If you see mass and velocity, think **multiply immediately**!
Want this in Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa? Sign up free →
Practice more Physics questions
JAMB UTME Physics has thousands more questions like this — with AI explanations on every one.