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Momentum is the product of mass and velocity. Momentum is also a vector quantity - this means it has both a magnitude and an associated direction.

For example, an elephant has no momentum when it is standing still. When it begins to walk, it will have momentum in the same direction as it is travelling. The faster the elephant walks, the larger its momentum will be.

Learn more on momentum in this podcast

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Calculating momentum

Momentum can be calculated using the equation:

Momentum = mass × velocity

This is when:

• momentum is measured in kilogram metres per second (kgm/s)
• mass is measured in kilograms (kg)
• velocity is measured in metres per second (m/s)

Example

A lorry has a mass of 7,500 kg. It travels south at a speed of 25 m/s. Calculate the momentum of the lorry.

Momentum = mass × velocity

Momentum = 7,500 × 25

Momentum = 187,500 kgm/s (south)