1. What is Impulse?

Impulse is the product of the average force (F_avg) acting on an object and the time duration (Δt) over which it acts. It equals the change in momentum of the object.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the impulse equation:

Where:

• \( I \) — Impulse (kg·m/s)
• \( F_{avg} \) — Average force (N)
• \( \Delta t \) — Time interval (s)

Explanation: The equation shows that impulse depends on both the magnitude of the force and the duration of its application.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Impulse is crucial in understanding collisions, rocket propulsion, sports mechanics, and any scenario where forces act over time to change momentum.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter average force in newtons and time interval in seconds. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is impulse related to momentum?
A: Impulse equals the change in momentum (J = Δp). This is known as the impulse-momentum theorem.

Q2: What are typical units for impulse?
A: The SI unit is kg·m/s (same as momentum), or N·s (newton-seconds).

Q3: Why use average force in the calculation?
A: Most real-world forces vary over time, so we use the average value to calculate the total effect.

Q4: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, if the force direction is opposite to the chosen positive direction, the impulse will be negative.

Q5: How is impulse used in safety engineering?
A: Safety devices like airbags increase collision time (Δt) to reduce average force (F_avg) for a given impulse, protecting passengers.