🎓 Physics • Momentum
100% Client-Side Privacy
Momentum & Impulse Calculator
Computes linear momentum, impulse, and 1D elastic and inelastic collision final velocities.
Linear Momentum Calculator
Calculate translational momentum p = m × v and kinetic energy.
p = m · v
Real-World Physical Presets:
Dynamic Vector VisualizationDirection: → Rightwards (+x)
Total Momentum (p)
21,600 kg·m/s
Newton-seconds21,600 N·s
Imperial (lbf·s)4855.87 lbf·s
Kinetic Energy194,400 J
Step-by-Step Derivation
1. Formula: Momentum p = m · v
2. Substitution: p = (1200 kg) × (18 m/s)
3. Calculated Magnitude: p = 21600.0000 kg·m/s (or N·s)
4. Associated Kinetic Energy: KE = ½·m·v² = ½ × 1200 × (18)² = 194400.00 J
What is Momentum?
Momentum is mass in motion: the product of mass and velocity. It is conserved in all closed physical systems.
Formula & Step-by-Step Calculation
p = m × v, J = F × Δt = Δp
Impulse equals change in momentum.
Worked Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1
Momentum of 1200 kg car moving at 18 m/s
Solution: 21,600 kg·m/s
• 1200 × 18 = 21,600 kg·m/s
Common Real-World & Academic Use Cases
- ✓ Vehicle crash safety crumple zone design
- ✓ Billiards ball collisions
- ✓ Rocket recoil staging
How to Use the Momentum & Impulse Calculator
1
Select Tab
Choose Momentum, Impulse, or Collisions.
2
Enter Variables
Input mass and velocity.
3
Inspect Results
View momentum and impulse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions?
Elastic collisions conserve both momentum and kinetic energy; inelastic collisions conserve momentum but convert some kinetic energy into heat/deformation.