1. What is Impulse?

Impulse is a concept in physics that measures 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 for which it acts.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the impulse equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation calculates the change in momentum, which equals the impulse applied to the object.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Impulse is crucial in analyzing collisions, rocket propulsion, sports mechanics, and any situation where forces act over time to change an object's motion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms, velocities in meters per second. Positive values typically indicate one direction, negative values the opposite direction.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the units of impulse?
A: The SI unit of impulse is the newton-second (N·s) or kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s).

Q2: How is impulse related to momentum?
A: Impulse equals the change in momentum of an object (J = Δp).

Q3: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, impulse can be negative if it reduces the object's momentum (opposes its motion).

Q4: What's the difference between impulse and force?
A: Force is instantaneous, while impulse is force applied over time (the integral of force over time).

Q5: How is impulse used in real-world applications?
A: Used in designing airbags, analyzing sports impacts, rocket propulsion calculations, and crash testing.