Home Back

How To Calculate Final Momentum

Final Momentum Formula:

\[ p_f = m \times v_f \]

kg
m/s

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is Final Momentum?

Final momentum (pf) is the product of an object's mass and its final velocity. It's a vector quantity that describes the quantity of motion an object has at the end of a time period or after a force has been applied.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the momentum equation:

\[ p_f = m \times v_f \]

Where:

Explanation: The equation shows that momentum is directly proportional to both mass and velocity. Doubling either quantity will double the momentum.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Momentum is a fundamental concept in physics, crucial for understanding collisions, conservation laws, and motion analysis. It's conserved in isolated systems, making it valuable for predicting post-collision velocities.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and final velocity in meters per second. Both values must be valid (mass > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between momentum and velocity?
A: Velocity describes speed with direction, while momentum incorporates both velocity and mass, representing the "quantity of motion."

Q2: Is momentum a vector or scalar quantity?
A: Momentum is a vector quantity - it has both magnitude and direction (same as velocity).

Q3: What are typical units for momentum?
A: The standard SI unit is kg·m/s, but g·cm/s is also used in some contexts.

Q4: How is momentum conserved in collisions?
A: In closed systems, the total momentum before collision equals the total momentum after collision.

Q5: What's the relationship between force and momentum?
A: Force equals the rate of change of momentum (F = Δp/Δt), which is Newton's second law.

Final Momentum Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025