Momentum tells you how much motion an object carries — harder to stop when both mass and speed are large.
About this calculator
Momentum tells you how much motion an object carries — harder to stop when both mass and speed are large. This calculator computes p = mv with mass in kg and velocity in m/s.
Example: a 5 kg cart at 8 m/s has momentum 40 kg·m/s. A 0.15 kg cricket ball at 40 m/s has 6 kg·m/s — less total momentum despite higher speed because mass is small.
Momentum is conserved in closed collisions; kinetic energy may not be. Compare with the [[kinetic-energy]] calculator (½mv²) on the same inputs to see the difference. Find velocity from acceleration using the [[velocity]] calculator, or speed from the [[speed-distance-time]] tool. The [[force]] calculator relates force to the rate of momentum change (F = Δp/Δt).
Common uses
- Collision and impulse homework in Class 11
- Comparing momentum of vehicles at different speeds
- Sports ball impact estimates
- Rocket exhaust momentum problems (intro level)
- Checking conservation of momentum in lab reports
Frequently asked questions
What is the momentum of a 5 kg object moving at 8 m/s?
p = mv = 5 × 8 = 40 kg·m/s. Enter mass 5 and velocity 8. The calculator returns 40 kg·m/s in the direction of motion.
How is momentum different from kinetic energy?
Momentum is mv (linear in speed). Kinetic energy is ½mv² (depends on speed squared). Use the [[kinetic-energy]] calculator for energy in joules.
What is the momentum of a 0.15 kg ball at 40 m/s?
p = 0.15 × 40 = 6 kg·m/s. Enter mass 0.15 and velocity 40 for cricket or baseball problems.
Is momentum conserved in all collisions?
Total momentum is conserved in an isolated system with no external net force. Kinetic energy is only conserved in perfectly elastic collisions.