Momentum Unit Converter
Convert between momentum units (p) for linear momentum which is the product of mass (m) times velocity (v).
Momentum Formula
p = m × v
Where: p = momentum, m = mass, v = velocity
| Unit | Symbol | Value |
|---|
Cite this content, page or calculator as:
Appreciate our scientific content creators and cite this page. Your support matters and keeps us motivated!
Momentum Unit Converter
The momentum unit converter helps you convert between various units of linear momentum, defined as the product of mass and velocity.
The formula for linear momentum is:
p = m × v
Where:
- p = momentum
- m = mass
- v = velocity
Momentum represents how much motion an object carries — a moving truck has more momentum than a rolling ball because of its larger mass and speed.
How to Convert Units of Momentum
Momentum conversions are performed using a conversion factor, making it a simple multiplication problem:
S × C = E
Where:
- S = starting value
- C = conversion factor
- E = converted result
To convert any unit into the SI unit of momentum (kilogram meter per second, or kg·m/s), multiply the starting value by its respective conversion factor.
For example, to convert 50 lb·ft/s to kg·m/s:
50 lb·ft/s × 0.138255 = 6.91275 kg·m/s
To go the other way — from kg·m/s to lb·ft/s — divide by the same factor or multiply by its reciprocal.
Example: Step-by-Step Conversion
Let’s walk through how conversions work conceptually. Suppose you want to convert pound foot per second into kilogram meter per second.
You know that:
1 lb = 0.45359237 kg
1 ft = 0.3048 m
Multiply these together:
1 lb·ft/s = 0.45359237 × 0.3048 = 0.138255 kg·m/s
So, the conversion factor is 0.138255.
To reverse it:
1 kg·m/s = 1 / 0.138255 = 7.230 lb·ft/s
Converting Between Any Momentum Units
When converting between two non-SI momentum units, first convert the starting value into kg·m/s, then divide by the conversion factor of the target unit.
For example:
20 lb·ft/s → kg·m/s → N·s
Since 1 N·s = 1 kg·m/s, the conversion is straightforward once you’ve reached SI units.
If you need to handle more complex physical quantities — such as force or velocity — you can explore other related converters like the force unit conversion tool or the speed converter, which often work hand-in-hand with momentum calculations.
Why Momentum Conversion Matters
Momentum conversions are essential in engineering, physics, and ballistics. For instance:
- Converting projectile momentum from lb·ft/s to N·s in defense testing.
- Comparing results from metric and imperial datasets in experimental physics.
When working with scientific quantities, accurate unit consistency is critical — even small conversion errors can lead to major miscalculations.
If you’re frequently switching between different measurement systems, try using the metric unit converter to handle mass, length, or force conversions alongside momentum for complete dimensional accuracy.
Common Momentum Units
| From Unit | Symbol | Multiply by (to get kg·m/s) |
|---|---|---|
| kilogram meter per second | kg·m/s | 1 |
| pound foot per second | lb·ft/s | 0.138255 |
| gram centimeter per second | g·cm/s | 0.00001 |
| newton second | N·s | 1 |
| slug foot per second | slug·ft/s | 14.5939 |
To convert in reverse, divide by the same number.
To convert momentum units, multiply or divide by the correct conversion factor based on the starting and target units. With the right factor and a clear understanding of the formula p = mv, you can easily move between SI and imperial systems with confidence.
References
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The NIST Guide for the use of the International System of Units – Appendix B, subsections B.8 Factors for Units Listed Alphabetically and B.9 Factors for Units Listed by Kind of Quantity or Field of Science.
Lide, David R., Daniel (Editor-in-Chief). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 89th Edition New York, NY: CRC Press, p. 1-28, 2008.
Wikipedia contributors. “Conversion of units” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, last visited 26 Jun. 2011.