1. What is Impulse?

Impulse is the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a time interval. It is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction, calculated as the product of mass and velocity change.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the impulse equation:

Where:

• \( I \) — Impulse (kg m/s)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( \Delta v \) — Change in velocity (m/s)
• \( v_f \) — Final velocity (m/s)
• \( v_i \) — Initial velocity (m/s)

Explanation: The equation shows that impulse equals the mass multiplied by the vector change in velocity.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Impulse is crucial in physics for understanding collisions, rocket propulsion, sports mechanics, and safety engineering (like airbags and crumple zones).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocities in meters per second. Positive/negative values indicate direction (typically along a defined axis).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is impulse different from momentum?
A: Momentum is mass times velocity (p = mv), while impulse is the change in momentum (I = Δp = mΔv).

Q2: What are typical units for impulse?
A: The SI unit is kg·m/s, which is equivalent to Newton-seconds (N·s).

Q3: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, impulse is a vector quantity. Negative values indicate direction opposite to the defined positive direction.

Q4: How does this relate to force?
A: Impulse equals the average force multiplied by the time over which it acts (I = F_avg × Δt).

Q5: What's an example of impulse in daily life?
A: Catching a ball - your hand applies a force over time to reduce the ball's momentum to zero.