Physics Formula
Linear Momentum Formula
Finds the momentum of an object in linear motion.
Formula Summary
Linear Momentum
Finds the momentum of an object in linear motion.
- Category
- Physics
- Equation
- p = m × v
- Calculator
- Use Linear Momentum Calculator →
Equation
p = m × v
Variables
- p = momentum
- m = mass
- v = velocity
Units
- Momentum: kilogram meter per second (kg·m/s)
- Mass: kilogram (kg)
- Velocity: meters per second (m/s)
When To Use This Formula
Use this formula when calculating the quantity of motion of an object based on its mass and velocity, especially in collision and motion problems.
Rearranged Equations
- m = p / v
- v = p / m
How to Use This Formula
- Identify the known values from the problem statement.
- Convert all values into compatible units.
- Substitute the values into the equation and calculate the result.
- Check that the final answer has the correct unit and meaning.
Explanation
Momentum describes the quantity of motion an object has. It depends on both the object's mass and its velocity.
Worked Example
A 4 kg object moving at 3 m/s has momentum of 4 × 3 = 12 kg·m/s.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring the direction of velocity when calculating momentum.
- Mixing units for mass and velocity.
- Confusing momentum with kinetic energy.
Applications
- Collision analysis in physics.
- Conservation of momentum problems.
- Vehicle safety and impact calculations.