Momentum is defined as:

Momentum is a fundamental concept in physics defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. This means that an object's momentum increases both with a greater mass and when it moves faster; thus, it reflects how much motion the object has and its ability to exert force during a collision or interaction.

Mass, being a scalar quantity representing the amount of matter in an object, multiplied by velocity—essentially a vector quantity indicating direction—yields momentum, which is also a vector quantity (having both magnitude and direction). This definition is crucial in understanding principles of motion, collisions, and various applications in sports science, making it a foundational topic in both physics and physical education.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of motion. The rate of an object's acceleration relates to its change in velocity over time, which is distinct from momentum. The change in an object's speed over time describes acceleration, and force applied to move an object relates to Newton's second law of motion (force = mass × acceleration). Each of these concepts is important in understanding motion and mechanics, but they do not accurately define momentum itself.