What is the definition of momentum?

Momentum is the product of the mass and velocity of a moving object. It measures how much motion an object has.

Formula

Momentum (p) = Mass (m) × Velocity (v)

Unit: kilogram meter per second (kg·m/s)

Momentum describes the quantity of motion an object carries. A heavier or faster object has more momentum, which means it is harder to stop or change its direction.

Example

• A moving truck has more momentum than a bicycle because of its larger mass.
• When you catch a fast-moving ball, you feel the force due to its momentum.

Types of Momentum

Law of Conservation of Momentum

The total momentum of a system remains constant if no external force acts on it.