Question

Is momentum scalar or vector quantity?

Answer 1

Hint: Vectors are normally a scalar quantity given with direction, or we can say that vectors are normally magnitudes of any quantity that are given with directions. Vectors are shown with an arrow symbol above them but this arrow does not define their direction. Do not confuse that the arrow points towards
the direction of the vector.

Complete answer:
Momentum is defined as $\overrightarrow{p}=m\overrightarrow{v}$
Where “$\overrightarrow{p}$” is the momentum and “$m$” is the mass of the object and “$\overrightarrow{v}$” is the velocity of the object.
Since velocity is a vector quantity and it is always given with a direction and mass is a scalar quantity.
We are aware that the product of any vector quantity with a scalar quantity will always give the result as a vector quantity. We all have studied this law in vector analysis.
Since, in the formula of momentum the velocity is a vector quantity and mass is a scalar quantity hence we will get the result as a vector quantity which is called the momentum of a body.
Hence, we can conclude that momentum is a vector quantity which is always given with a magnitude and a direction.

Note:
Even though a vector is a quantity with direction, this does not define its position. Vector consists of only direction with magnitude and not the location coordinates. Do not confuse the direction of the vector with its location. Both are different things. Location can only be defined with time coordinates for a particular instant of time (In case of moving objects) while directions can be defined without time coordinates.