Momentum is conserved so the total momentum before the collision is the same as after the collision so it can give you information about what the end state is.

Review your understanding of momentum in this free article aligned to NGSS standards.

The momentum (p) of an object is equal to the object's mass times its velocity (p=mv). Momentum is a a vector quantity which has the same direction as velocity. Momentum is defined for a particular frame …

Momentum can explain—or predict—what happens when objects with different masses and velocities collide with one another. Let's bump our way into this important and relevant concept.

Describe an object's momentum in terms of its mass and velocity. Relate a system's change in momentum to the product of the net force exerted on it and the time interval during which the force acts.

Practice solving for the impulse and force applied during a dodgeball collision using the impulse-momentum theorem.

Discover how a mass can have angular momentum even if it is traveling along a straight line. Practice solving a conservation of angular momentum problem where a ball hits a rod which can rotate.

Understand angular momentum, its properties, and applications in rotational systems through this educational resource from Khan Academy.

Momentum is a vector quantity that has both direction and magnitude. Momentum is symbolized as the letter P and precisely momentum is the mass times the velocity.

Explore the concepts of momentum and impulse, their definitions, and applications in physics through this educational resource.