Momentum. Law of conservation

22/07/2025

The online momentum simulations on this page will help you to deepen your understanding of the important concept of momentum in physics and to study and understand the law of conservation of momentum.

Concept of momentum

Momentum is a physical vector quantity used to describe the motion of an object in relation to its mass and velocity. The concept of momentum is fundamental in physics.

Momentum formula

Momentum formula is calculated by multiplying the mass (m) of the object by its velocity (v).

Quantity of motion (p) = mass (m) * velocity (v)

Law of conservation of momentum

A direct consequence of Newton’s third law (action – reaction) is the law of conservation of momentum which states that the total momentum of an isolated system remains constant unless acted upon by external forces. Therefore, in an isolated system, if there are no external forces acting on the objects, the total amount of momentum before an event will be equal to the total amount of momentum after that event.

Applications of the law of conservation of momentum

The law of conservation of momentum is especially useful in situations where several objects interact, such as collisions or explosions. In these cases, equations based on momentum formula can be used to determine the final velocities of the objects after the event.

Explore the exciting STEM world with our free, online, simulations and accompanying companion courses! With them you’ll be able to experience and learn hands-on. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in virtual experiences while advancing your education – awaken your scientific curiosity and discover all that the STEM world has to offer!

Momentum simulations

Momentum

Momentum

The momentum of an object is the product of mass times velocity. Is the amount of motion a scalar or vector quantity?

Momentum
Rocket

Momentum

The momentum of an object is the product of mass times velocity. Is the amount of motion a scalar or vector quantity?

Water rocket

A water rocket contains water under high pressure. When the water is released, it is ejected downward and the rocket is propelled upward. Can you explain why this happens?

Giants of science

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”

Isaac Newton

Daniel Bernoulli

1700

–

1782

Daniel Bernoulli formulated Bernoulli’s principle and developed fundamental theories in fluid mechanics and gas dynamics

“Nature is always economical in its means”

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz

1646

–

1716

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was one of the founders of infinitesimal calculus, created modern mathematical notation, and contributed to mechanics and optics with groundbreaking theories

“Music is the hidden exercise of arithmetic of the soul, which does not know it is calculating.”