Even though these physical quantities are similar, there is a difference between force and momentum. Force is generally the external action upon a body, whether a pulling or pushing action. Momentum, on the other hand, is the representation of the amount of motion within a moving body.
Difference between Force and Momentum
The major relation would be that force changes momentum. According to the second law of motion, the change of momentum of an object, also called force, is given by mass times acceleration. Momentum changes with the change in velocity whereas force changes with the change in acceleration.
The longer a force is applied, the larger the momentum is. These quantities are vector quantities meaning they both have magnitude and direction.
| Difference Between Force and Momentum | |
|---|---|
| Force | Momentum |
| The direction depends on the direction of acceleration | The direction depends upon the direction of the velocity |
| The increase in time decreases the amount of force provided the change in momentum is constant | The increase in time results in an increase in momentum change |
| A force exists for a stationary object | The momentum is zero for a stationary object |
| Force can be a result of actually touching between objects and without physical contact also | Momentum is the result of an unbalanced force acting on a body |
| Force= mass × acceleration | Momentum= mass × velocity |
These were some differences between force and momentum. If you wish to find out more, download BYJU’S The Learning App.
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| Newton’s Second Law of Motion and Momentum | Types of Force |
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