Momentum Calculator
Calculate linear momentum (p = mv), impulse, and collision outcomes. Covers elastic and inelastic collisions, coefficient of restitution, angular momentum, and center of mass velocity.
kg
m/s
Momentum (p)
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Impulse Equivalent —
Kinetic Energy —
Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown ▾
kg
m/s
Momentum p (kg·m/s)
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Kinetic Energy (J) —
Professional Full parameters & maximum detail ▾
kg
m/s
kg
m/s
Collision Results
v1 after collision —
v2 after collision —
Center of Mass Velocity —
Energy Analysis
KE Before —
KE After —
KE Lost —
Angular Momentum
Angular Momentum L —
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter mass and velocity for linear momentum.
- Use the Impulse tab to find momentum change from force and time.
- Use the Conservation tab to solve 2-body collision outcomes.
- The Professional tab computes elastic vs inelastic results, coefficient of restitution, and angular momentum.
Formula
p = mv | Impulse J = FΔt = Δp
Conservation: m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = m₁v₁′ + m₂v₂′
Angular: L = Iω
Example
A 5 kg object at 3 m/s: p = 5 × 3 = 15 kg·m/s. KE = p²/(2m) = 225/10 = 22.5 J.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Momentum (p) = mass × velocity (p = mv). It is measured in kg·m/s (equivalent to N·s). Momentum is conserved in all collisions.
- Impulse = Force × time = change in momentum (Δp). A larger force over a shorter time produces the same change in momentum as a smaller force over longer time.
- Elastic collisions conserve both momentum and kinetic energy. Inelastic collisions conserve momentum but lose kinetic energy to heat/deformation. A perfectly inelastic collision has objects sticking together.
- e = (relative speed after) / (relative speed before). e=1 is perfectly elastic, e=0 is perfectly inelastic. A rubber ball on concrete has e ≈ 0.8.
- Angular momentum L = I × ω, where I is the moment of inertia (kg·m²) and ω is angular velocity (rad/s). Angular momentum is conserved when no net torque acts on the system.