Physics Momentum Calculator – Formula, Steps & Examples

Q: 8. How can I calculate the velocity of an object given its momentum and mass?

Rearrange the momentum formula: velocity (v) = momentum (p) / mass (m). This allows you to calculate the velocity if you know the momentum and mass.

How to Calculate Momentum in Physics: Step-by-Step Guide

Mass (kg):
Velocity (m/s):

What is Momentum Calculator?

The momentum calculator is a simple online tool that instantly computes the momentum of an object when you enter its mass and velocity. It helps students, teachers, and aspirants check answers, practice physics problems, and verify homework.

Whether for a school project or quick physics assessments, this intuitive calculator saves time and enables learning. You can use it to explore how both the magnitude and sign (direction) of momentum change based on input values.

Formula Behind Momentum Calculator

The core formula is p = m × v, where p is momentum in kg·m/s, m is the object's mass in kilograms, and v is velocity in meters per second. This formula directly links the ‘quantity of motion’ to physical mass and how fast it moves.

Momentum Conversion Table

Mass (kg)	Velocity (m/s)	Momentum (kg·m/s)
2	3	6
0.5	10	5
5	1.5	7.5
3	-2	-6
1.2	4.5	5.4

Steps to Use Momentum Calculator

Enter the mass in kilograms.
Enter the velocity in meters per second.
Click "Calculate".
See the calculated momentum and its sign instantly.

Why Use Vedantu’s Momentum Calculator?

This tool delivers instant and accurate calculations for any physics problem related to momentum. It's free, simple to use, and works great on mobile and desktop devices, making homework checks much faster.

Formulas and instructions are provided alongside so you not only get answers but understand the logic. You can also explore related math tools like the HCF Calculator and Prime Numbers for broader learning.

Applications of Momentum Calculator

Understanding momentum is fundamental in physics, helping you analyze how objects behave in collisions, sports events, vehicle crashes, and rocket launches. Calculating it precisely allows you to understand outcomes and safety principles.

Teachers rely on momentum calculations for classroom demonstrations, while students often use such tools to practice problems from syllabus-aligned resources like NCERT Physics. Other helpful tools on Vedantu include the GCF Calculator and Percentage Calculator for math support.

FAQs on Physics Momentum Calculator – Formula, Steps & Examples

1. What is momentum in physics and how is it calculated?

Momentum is a measure of an object's mass in motion. It's calculated by multiplying an object's mass (in kilograms) by its velocity (in meters per second). The formula is: Momentum (p) = mass (m) × velocity (v). The unit of momentum is kg·m/s.

2. What is the formula for calculating the change in momentum?

The change in momentum (Δp) is simply the difference between the final momentum and the initial momentum. It can also be calculated using the formula: Δp = mΔv, where m is the mass and Δv is the change in velocity.

3. How do I use the momentum calculator?

Enter the mass of the object in kilograms and its velocity in meters per second into the calculator. Click 'Calculate' to find the momentum. The result will be displayed in kg·m/s.

4. What is impulse and its relation to momentum?

Impulse (J) is the change in momentum of an object. It's equal to the force applied multiplied by the time the force acts: J = FΔt = Δp. Therefore, impulse is directly related to the change in momentum.

5. How is momentum conserved in collisions?

In an isolated system (no external forces), the total momentum before a collision is equal to the total momentum after the collision. This is the principle of conservation of momentum. m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ (for a two-object system, where 'u' represents initial velocity and 'v' represents final velocity).

6. What are some real-world applications of momentum?

Momentum is crucial in many areas, including: analyzing car crashes, calculating the force of a cricket ball hitting a bat, understanding rocket propulsion, and even in everyday activities like running and jumping.

7. What if the velocity is negative in the momentum calculation?

A negative velocity simply indicates the direction of motion. The momentum will also be negative, signifying the object is moving in the opposite direction. The magnitude of the momentum remains positive.

8. How can I calculate the velocity of an object given its momentum and mass?

Rearrange the momentum formula: velocity (v) = momentum (p) / mass (m). This allows you to calculate the velocity if you know the momentum and mass.

9. What does a change in momentum tell us?

A change in momentum indicates that a force has acted on the object, causing either a change in its velocity or its mass, or both. The larger the change in momentum, the greater the force or the longer the time the force acted.

10. Is there a difference between linear and angular momentum?

Yes, linear momentum describes the motion of an object in a straight line, while angular momentum describes the rotational motion of an object around an axis. Linear momentum is p = mv, while angular momentum involves moment of inertia and angular velocity.

11. How does the momentum calculator help with physics problems?

The momentum calculator provides a quick and easy way to calculate momentum, saving time on calculations and allowing you to focus on understanding the underlying physics concepts. It's especially useful for checking your answers in homework or practice problems.

12. What are some common mistakes to avoid when calculating momentum?

Common mistakes include forgetting to convert units to the standard SI units (kilograms and meters per second), incorrectly interpreting negative velocity values, and not considering the direction of motion in vector problems involving multiple objects.