Physics
Momentum from mass and velocity
The definition. Mass in kilograms, velocity in metres per second, result in kilogram metres per second. The sign of the velocity carries through to the momentum.
The Formula
p = m v
The definition. Mass in kilograms, velocity in metres per second, result in kilogram metres per second. The sign of the velocity carries through to the momentum.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| m | Mass | kilograms | In kilograms, always positive. |
| v | Velocity | metres per second | In metres per second; negative means opposite direction. |
| p | Momentum | kilogram metres per second | A vector pointing along the velocity. |
What Each Symbol Means
mkilograms
Mass
In kilograms, always positive.
vmetres per second
Velocity
In metres per second; negative means opposite direction.
pkilogram metres per second
Momentum
A vector pointing along the velocity.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate momentum page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Momentum, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.