Linear Momentum
Linear Momentum
\[p = m v\]
Variables
p = linear momentum (kg·m/s)
m = mass (kg)
v = velocity (m/s)
Description
What is this formula?
The linear momentum equation calculates the quantity of motion of an object based on its mass and velocity. Momentum is a vector quantity and plays a central role in dynamics and collision analysis.
When to use it
Use this formula when studying collisions, moving vehicles, projectile motion, impact forces, or conservation of momentum problems.
Example
A 1200 kg car moves at 18 m/s.
Data:
m = 1200 kg
v = 18 m/s
Formula:
p = m*v
Substitution:
p = 1200*18
Result:
p = 21600 kg·m/s
Applications
Collision analysis, automotive engineering, ballistics, aerospace engineering, mechanical systems, and physics education.
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