Momentum Calculator

Calculate linear momentum, impulse, and elastic/inelastic collisions for physics problems. Analyze conservation of momentum in single and multi-object interactions.

Mass

Velocity

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

Learn More

Momentum Impulse Conservation of Momentum