Momentum Calculator
Calculate the linear momentum of a moving object from its mass and velocity, plus its kinetic energy.
How it works
p = m · v
Momentum is the quantity of motion an object carries — the product of its mass and velocity. It is a vector, pointing in the direction of travel, and it is conserved in collisions, which is why it governs recoil, impacts and rocket propulsion. A large truck at low speed can carry the same momentum as a small car at high speed.
Worked example
A 10 kg object moving at 5 m/s has momentum p = 10 × 5 = 50 kg·m/s, along with 125 J of kinetic energy.
Sources: Momentum — Wikipedia
Frequently asked questions
How is momentum different from kinetic energy?
Momentum is m·v and is conserved in every collision. Kinetic energy is ½·m·v² and is only conserved in perfectly elastic collisions. The two describe different, complementary aspects of motion.
Is momentum a vector?
Yes. It has both magnitude and direction, pointing the same way as the velocity. In two or three dimensions you add momentum components separately.
What are the units of momentum?
The SI unit is the kilogram-metre per second (kg·m/s), which is equivalent to a newton-second (N·s), the unit of impulse.
Related calculators
Educational estimate. Check the formula and units for your exact case.