Momentum Calculator

Calculate linear and angular momentum in physics. Analyze collisions, conservation of momentum, and understand impulse-momentum relationships.

About Momentum Calculator

Understanding Momentum

The concept of momentum was first formulated by René Descartes in the 17th century and refined by Isaac Newton in his laws of motion. This fundamental property of moving objects has become central to our understanding of classical mechanics and modern physics.

Mathematical Foundation

p = m × v (Linear Momentum)
J = F × t = Δp (Impulse)
p = r × p (Angular Momentum)

p = momentum (kg⋅m/s)
m = mass (kg)
v = velocity (m/s)
J = impulse (N⋅s)
F = force (N)
t = time (s)
r = radius vector (m)

Conservation Laws

Linear Momentum

Isolated systems preserve momentum
Key to collision analysis
Valid in all reference frames
Foundation of rocket propulsion

Angular Momentum

Preserved in rotational motion
Critical in orbital mechanics
Explains gyroscopic effects
Important in quantum mechanics

Collision Types

Elastic Collisions

Kinetic energy preserved
Momentum preserved
Example: billiard balls
Perfect elasticity rare

Inelastic Collisions

Energy partially lost
Momentum preserved
Example: car crashes
Common in real world

Practical Applications

Vehicle Safety

Crumple zone design
Airbag deployment
Impact analysis
Safety standards

Sports Science

Ball game physics
Equipment design
Performance analysis
Injury prevention

Impulse Considerations

Force-Time Relationship

Peak force reduction
Impact duration
Material properties
Energy absorption

Design Applications

Sports equipment
Packaging materials
Vehicle safety
Industrial machinery

Advanced Concepts

Relativistic Momentum

High-speed corrections
Mass-energy equivalence
Lorentz transformations
Particle physics applications

Quantum Momentum

Wave-particle duality
Heisenberg uncertainty
De Broglie wavelength
Quantum state analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between momentum and kinetic energy?

While both momentum (p=mv) and kinetic energy (KE=½mv²) involve mass and velocity, they serve different purposes. Momentum is a vector quantity that describes an object's motion tendency and is conserved in collisions, while kinetic energy is a scalar quantity representing the energy of motion. The key difference lies in their velocity dependence: momentum is proportional to velocity, while kinetic energy is proportional to velocity squared.

How are impulse and momentum related?

Impulse and momentum are linked through the impulse-momentum theorem, which states that the impulse (force × time) applied to an object equals its change in momentum. This relationship (J = F×t = Δp) is crucial in analyzing collisions and impacts. For example, safety devices like airbags work by increasing collision time to reduce the force while achieving the same change in momentum.

Why is momentum conserved in collisions?

Momentum is conserved in collisions due to Newton's third law of motion (for every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction) and the absence of external forces. In any collision, the total momentum before equals the total momentum after, though kinetic energy may not be conserved. This principle applies to everything from subatomic particles to galaxies, making it one of physics' most fundamental conservation laws.

Learn More

Momentum Impulse Conservation of Momentum