1. What is Impulse?

Impulse is the product of a force and the time over which it acts, which equals the change in momentum of an object. It's a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these equations:

Where:

• \( I \) — Impulse (kg m/s)
• \( m \) — Mass (kg)
• \( v \) — Velocity (m/s)
• \( E \) — Energy (J)

Explanation: First, velocity is calculated from energy and mass, then impulse is calculated using mass and derived velocity.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Impulse is crucial in physics for understanding collisions, rocket propulsion, and other force-time interactions. It helps analyze how forces affect motion over time.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and energy in joules. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between impulse and momentum?
A: Impulse equals the change in momentum. Momentum is mass times velocity, while impulse is force times time.

Q2: What are typical units for impulse?
A: The SI unit is newton-second (N·s) or kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s).

Q3: When is impulse used in real-world applications?
A: Used in car safety (airbags/crumple zones), sports (catching balls), and space travel (rocket propulsion).

Q4: How does impulse relate to energy?
A: While both involve motion, impulse specifically relates to how forces change momentum over time.

Q5: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, impulse can be negative when the force direction opposes the positive reference direction.