⚛️ Physics

Momentum Calculator

Calculate linear momentum with p = m·v and impulse as the change in momentum (J = Δp). Solve for momentum, mass, or velocity in SI units.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the momentum formula?

Linear momentum is p = m × v, where m is mass in kilograms and v is velocity in metres per second. Momentum is measured in kilogram-metres per second (kg·m/s).

How do I calculate momentum?

Multiply the mass by the velocity. For example, a 1,500 kg car at 20 m/s has a momentum of 1,500 × 20 = 30,000 kg·m/s.

What is impulse?

Impulse is the change in momentum: J = Δp = m·v_final − m·v_initial. It also equals the average force multiplied by the time it acts (J = F·Δt). Impulse is measured in newton-seconds (N·s), which are equivalent to kg·m/s.

How do I find velocity from momentum?

Rearrange p = m·v to v = p / m. Divide the momentum by the mass.

Is momentum conserved?

In an isolated system with no external forces, total momentum is conserved — the sum of all objects' momenta before a collision equals the sum afterward. This is the principle behind analyzing collisions and explosions.