Enter the mass, initial velocity, and final velocity of object 1, and the mass and initial velocity of object 2 to calculate the final velocity of object 2. This is valid for a perfectly inelastic collision of two objects only.

Conservation of Momentum Formula

The following formula is used in the conservation of momentum of two objects undergoing an inelastic collision.

M1*V1=M2*V2
  • Where m1 is the mass of object 1
  • V1 is the change in velocity of object 1
  • M2 is the mass of object 2
  • and V2 is the change in velocity of object 2

In other words, v1 and v2 are the final velocities minus the initial velocity. This equation is the law of the conservation of momentum. In this case, since v contains both the initial and final velocities, if the other variables are known, then the equation can be used to solve for the missing variable.

Conservation of Momentum Definition

Conservation of momentum is a law of physics that says that momentum must be conserved in a closed system. In other words, momentum cannot be changed in a closed system unless acted on by an outside force.

How to calculate the conservation of momentum?

How to calculate the conservation of momentum.

  1. First, determine which of the 4 variables you wish to calculate.

    Using the formula above, determine which variable is being solved.

  2. Next, rearrange the equation for the missing variable.

    Re-order the formula to calculate for the missing variable.

  3. Finally, calculate the missing value.

    Using the conservation of momentum formula, determine the missing variable.

FAQ

What is conservation of momentum?

Conservation of momentum is a law of physics that says that momentum must be conserved in a closed system. In other words, momentum cannot be changed in a closed system unless acted on by an outside force.

How does momentum change?

Momentum can change in one of two ways, through a change in velocity or a change in mass. Most often, since the mass of objects rarely changes, the velocity is what is changing.