Moment vs. Momentum — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 22, 2023
Moment refers to an instance in time or a point about which force is applied. Momentum is the mass of an object multiplied by its velocity, indicating how hard it is to stop a moving object.
Difference Between Moment and Momentum
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Moment is primarily understood as a specific instance or point in time. It represents the 'now'—a brief period where an event occurs or a decision is made. Momentum, on the other hand, refers to the quantity of motion an object has, calculated as the product of its mass and velocity. In physics, this term explains the resistance an object offers against coming to a halt.
Moment is also a term used in mechanics to describe the tendency of a force to rotate an object around a pivot or axis. Here, the moment (or torque) is calculated by multiplying the force by the distance from the pivot. Momentum, in the same realm of mechanics, gives us insight into how much force would be required to stop a moving object within a particular time frame.
Moment can be quantified in units like Newton-meters when referring to torque. Momentum is typically measured in kilogram meters per second (kg·m/s). Thus, while both are quantifiable, the units and what they measure are entirely different. Moment measures rotational tendency, whereas momentum measures linear motion.
In daily language, "moment" may signify an emotionally significant event or period ("a moment to remember"). "Momentum" is often used metaphorically to describe gaining speed or making progress in a task or goal ("The project has gained momentum"). In both cases, the words have been adapted for less technical, more emotional or abstract, meanings.
Moment is associated with stillness, with an action or event that is either so brief it's almost static, or with rotational force. Momentum is all about motion—more specifically, the conservation of motion. While a moment can be a pause, momentum implies continuous action or progress.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
A point in time or rotational force
Mass x Velocity
Unit of Measurement
Time: seconds; Torque: Newton-meters
Kilogram meters per second (kg·m/s)
Context in Physics
Describes rotational force (torque)
Describes linear motion
Everyday Language
A brief period or significant event
Progress or speed in achieving a task
Conceptual Focus
Stillness or rotation
Continuous motion
Compare with Definitions
Moment
A brief period of time.
Wait a moment, I'll be right back.
Momentum
The product of mass and velocity.
The bowling ball had a lot of momentum.
Moment
Rotational force.
The moment around the axis was significant.
Momentum
Impetus or driving force.
The campaign gained momentum.
Moment
A brief, indefinite interval of time.
Momentum
Resistance to stopping.
With that much momentum, it was hard to stop.
Moment
A specific point in time, especially the present time
He is not here at the moment.
Momentum
A principle of physics.
Conservation of momentum is a fundamental concept.
Moment
A point in time that is gratifying or noteworthy
Even working on a dictionary has its moments.
Momentum
A vector quantity.
Momentum has both magnitude and direction.
Moment
An occasion affording an opportunity
Viewed the blunder as a teachable moment.
Momentum
In Newtonian mechanics, linear momentum, translational momentum, or simply momentum (pl. momenta) is the product of the mass and velocity of an object.
Moment
A particular period of importance, influence, or significance in a series of events or developments
A great moment in history.
Waiting for her big moment.
Momentum
Symbol p(Physics) A quantity used to measure the motion of a body, equal to the product of the body's mass and its velocity. Also called linear momentum.
Moment
Outstanding significance or value; importance
A discovery of great moment.
Momentum
The force or energy exhibited by a moving body
The ball did not have enough momentum to reach the goalposts.
Moment
A brief period of time that is characterized by a quality, such as excellence, suitability, or distinction
A lackluster performance that nevertheless had its moments.
Momentum
The driving force or advancing strength of a development or course of events
The effort to reform public education has been gaining momentum.
Moment
An essential or constituent element, as of a complex idea.
Momentum
(Philosophy) An essential or constituent element; a moment.
Moment
A phase or aspect of a logically developing process.
Momentum
(physics) Of a body in motion: the tendency of a body to maintain its inertial motion; the product of its mass and velocity, or the vector sum of the products of its masses and velocities.
Moment
The product of a quantity, such as force or mass, and its perpendicular distance from a reference point.
Momentum
The impetus, either of a body in motion, or of an idea or course of events; a moment.
Moment
The tendency to cause rotation about a point or axis.
Momentum
The quantity of motion in a moving body, being always proportioned to the quantity of matter multiplied by the velocity; impetus.
Moment
(Statistics) The expected value of a positive integer power of a random variable. The first moment of a random variable is the mean of its probability distribution.
Momentum
Essential element, or constituent element.
I shall state the several momenta of the distinction in separate propositions.
Moment
A brief, unspecified amount of time.
Wait a moment, while I lock the front door.
Momentum
A property of an activity or course of events, viewed as analogous to forward motion or to physical momentum (def. 1), such that the activity is believed to be able to continue moving forward without further application of force or effort; - often used to describe an increase in the acquisition of public support for a purpose; as, as, the petition drive gained momentum when it was mentioned in the newspapers.
Moment
The smallest portion of time; an instant.
Momentum
An impelling force or strength;
The car's momentum carried it off the road
Moment
(figurative) Weight or importance.
Momentum
The product of a body's mass and its velocity;
The momentum of the particles was deduced from meteoritic velocities
Moment
Ellipsis of moment of force
Moment
A definite period of time, specifically one-tenth of a point, or one-fortieth or one-fiftieth of an hour.
Moment
A petit mal episode; such a spell.
Moment
(colloquial) A fit; a brief tantrum.
Moment
(math) An infinitesimal change in a varying quantity; an increment or decrement.
Moment
(math) A quantitative measure of the shape of a set of points.
If the points represent mass, then the zeroth moment is the total mass, the first moment divided by the total mass is the center of mass, and the second moment is the rotational inertia.
Moment
(As in "X moment") An embarrassing event, supposed to be characteristic of some person, group, or situation.
Woman moment
Reddit moment
Moment
A minute portion of time; a point of time; an instant; as, at that very moment.
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.
Moment
Impulsive power; force; momentum.
The moments or quantities of motion in bodies.
Touch, with lightest moment of impulse,His free will.
Moment
Importance, as in influence or effect; consequence; weight or value; consideration.
Matters of great moment.
It is an abstruse speculation, but also of far less moment and consequence of us than the others.
Moment
An essential element; a deciding point, fact, or consideration; an essential or influential circumstance.
Moment
An infinitesimal change in a varying quantity; an increment or decrement.
Moment
Tendency, or measure of tendency, to produce motion, esp. motion about a fixed point or axis.
Moment
A particular point in time;
The moment he arrived the party began
Moment
An indefinitely short time;
Wait just a moment
It only takes a minute
In just a bit
Moment
At this time;
The disappointments of the here and now
She is studying at the moment
Moment
Having important effects or influence;
Decisions of great consequence are made by the president himself
Virtue is of more moment that security
Moment
The moment of a couple is the product of its force and the distance between its opposing forces
Moment
The n-th moment of a distribution is the expected value of the n-th power of the deviations from a fixed value
Moment
A specific point in time.
This is the moment we've been waiting for.
Moment
Significant event or period.
Graduation was a big moment in my life.
Moment
Mathematical value.
The moment of the distribution was calculated.
Common Curiosities
What is a moment in everyday language?
A specific or significant point in time.
How is moment measured in physics?
In terms of torque, it's measured in Newton-meters.
Can moment refer to rotational force?
Yes, it describes the tendency of a force to rotate an object.
Does moment have a unit when talking about time?
Typically, it refers to seconds when talking about time.
Can momentum be negative?
Yes, momentum can be negative, indicating direction.
Can multiple moments make up momentum?
Not directly, as moment relates to time or rotation and momentum to motion.
What does momentum mean in daily conversation?
Progress or speed in accomplishing a task or goal.
How is momentum quantified?
It's measured in kilogram meters per second (kg·m/s).
Is momentum a vector quantity?
Yes, it has both magnitude and direction.
Can moment exist without momentum?
Yes, a moment can exist in stillness or in rotation without linear motion.
Is "moment" often used metaphorically?
Yes, often to describe emotionally significant times.
What’s the key difference between moment and momentum?
Moment refers to time or rotational force, whereas momentum refers to mass x velocity.
Is "momentum" used in a metaphorical sense?
Yes, often to indicate gaining speed or making progress.
Can momentum exist without a moment?
Yes, momentum refers to ongoing motion and doesn't require a specific "moment."
Are both moment and momentum principles in physics?
Yes, both have specific meanings in physics.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
