1. What is Impulse in Physics?

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 force and the time duration for which it acts, or equivalently, 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)
• \( \Delta p \) — Change in momentum (kg m/s)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( \Delta E \) — Change in energy (J)

Explanation: This equation relates impulse to the mass of an object and the change in its energy, derived from the work-energy principle.

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 an object's motion.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: 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 caused by a force (I = Δp = FΔt).

Q2: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, impulse can be negative if it causes a decrease in momentum (e.g., a force opposing motion).

Q3: How is impulse related to energy?
A: The equation I = √(2mΔE) shows how impulse relates to the change in kinetic energy of an object.

Q4: What are typical units for impulse?
A: The SI unit is kg·m/s (kilogram-meter per second), equivalent to N·s (newton-second).

Q5: Why is impulse important in safety engineering?
A: Safety devices like airbags increase the time of impact (Δt), reducing the force (F) needed to achieve the same impulse, thereby protecting passengers.