This tool calculates linear momentum and impulse, the two closely linked quantities at the heart of collision and motion physics. It is for students and anyone working through mechanics problems.
How it works
Two modes share one idea — momentum is mass in motion, and impulse is the change in that momentum:
- Momentum: p = m × v, with mass m in kg and velocity v in m/s, giving kg·m/s.
- Impulse: J = F × t = Δp, with force F in newtons and time t in seconds, giving newton-seconds (N·s), dimensionally identical to kg·m/s.
The impulse–momentum theorem states that the impulse applied to an object equals its change in momentum, which is why the two share units.
Example
A 10 kg trolley moving at 5 m/s has momentum:
p = 10 × 5 = 50 kg·m/s.
To stop it (bring Δp to -50 kg·m/s) a brake applying 25 N would need t = 50 ÷ 25 = 2 seconds of impulse.
| Quantity | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Momentum | p = m × v | kg·m/s |
| Impulse | J = F × t | N·s |
Every calculation runs locally in your browser and nothing is uploaded.