Momentum Calculator
Calculate linear momentum from mass and velocity using p = mv.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
Can't find what you need?
Request a ToolHow to Use the Momentum Calculator
Momentum equals mass times velocity. This calculator makes it simple.
- Enter the mass of the object in kilograms.
- Enter the velocity in meters per second. Use negative values for objects moving in the opposite direction.
- Read the result in kg m/s, displayed instantly.
About Momentum
Linear momentum is a measure of an object's motion, defined as the product of its mass and velocity (p = mv). It is a vector quantity, pointing in the same direction as velocity. Momentum is conserved in closed systems, meaning the total momentum before a collision equals the total momentum after. This conservation law is fundamental to analyzing collisions, explosions, and recoil. Heavier objects at the same speed carry more momentum, and faster objects at the same mass carry more momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the units of momentum?
The SI unit of momentum is kilogram meters per second (kg m/s), which is equivalent to Newton seconds (N s).
What is conservation of momentum?
In an isolated system with no external forces, the total momentum remains constant. This means the sum of all momenta before an event equals the sum after.
How is momentum different from kinetic energy?
Momentum (p=mv) is a vector and scales linearly with velocity. Kinetic energy (KE=0.5mv2) is a scalar and scales with velocity squared. Both are conserved in elastic collisions, but only momentum is conserved in inelastic collisions.