Chapter 5, Problem 2RQ

How can a supertanker have a huge momentum when it moves relatively slowly?

To determine

The reason behind a supertanker having huge momentum when it moves relatively slowly.

Answer to Problem 2RQ

The reason behind a supertanker having huge momentum when it moves relatively slowly is because its mass is so huge.

Explanation of Solution

The physical quantity induced in a body due to the combination of mass and its velocity which is an indicator of its motion is termed as momentum. The variation in the momentum of a system takes place due to two factors, which are mass and its velocity.

In this case, the supertanker, despite of having less velocity it has huge momentum. This is because the tanker has huge mass due to which contributes most to the huge momentum.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the reason behind a supertanker have huge momentum when it moves relatively slowly is because its mass is so huge.