1. What is Impulse?

Impulse is the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a time interval. It is equal to the product of the average force and the time duration, and also equals the change in momentum of the object.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the impulse formula:

Where:

• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( v_f \) — Final velocity of the object (m/s)
• \( v_i \) — Initial velocity of the object (m/s)

Explanation: The formula calculates the change in momentum, which equals the impulse applied to the object. A positive impulse indicates an increase in momentum, while a negative impulse indicates a decrease.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Impulse calculations are crucial in physics and engineering for analyzing collisions, understanding force-time relationships, and designing safety systems that minimize impact forces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms, velocities in meters per second. All values must be valid (mass > 0). The calculator will compute the impulse in Newton-seconds (N·s).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the unit of impulse?
A: Impulse is measured in Newton-seconds (N·s), which is equivalent to kg·m/s.

Q2: How is impulse related to force?
A: Impulse equals the average force multiplied by the time interval over which it acts (J = F_avg × Δt).

Q3: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, impulse can be negative if the final velocity is less than the initial velocity, indicating a decrease in momentum.

Q4: What's the difference between impulse and momentum?
A: Momentum is a property of a moving object (p = mv), while impulse is the change in momentum (Δp = mΔv).

Q5: How is impulse used in real-world applications?
A: Impulse principles are used in designing airbags, crumple zones in vehicles, athletic equipment, and various impact-absorbing systems.