Conservation of Momentum Calculator

Calculate the velocities of two objects before and after a collision.

Input Parameters

Collision Type

Mass 1 (m₁) (kg)

Initial Velocity 1 (u₁) (m/s)

Mass 2 (m₂) (kg)

Initial Velocity 2 (u₂) (m/s)

Calculation Results

Enter parameters to calculate

About this calculator

Quick Reference

m₁, m₂Masses of objects

u₁, u₂Initial velocities

v₁, v₂Final velocities

Momentum (p)p = m * v

Overview

In an isolated system, the total linear momentum remains constant. For a two-object collision, m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂.

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Pro Tips

Fun Facts

"Momentum conservation is derived from Newton's Third Law (action and reaction)."
"Even in 'messy' collisions like car crashes, total momentum is conserved (though kinetic energy is lost to heat/deformation)."
"Rockets work because of momentum conservation: as fuel is pushed out the back, the rocket moves forward."

Formula: m₁u₁ + m₂u₂ = m₁v₁ + m₂v₂