1. What is Impulse?

Impulse is the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a time interval. It is equal to the force multiplied by the time the force acts, or equivalently, the mass multiplied by the change in velocity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the impulse equation:

Where:

• \( I \) — Impulse (kg·m/s)
• \( m \) — 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 by multiplying the mass of the object by the difference between its final and initial velocities.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocities in meters per second. The difference between final and initial velocity determines the direction of the impulse.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between impulse and momentum?
A: Momentum is mass times velocity (p = mv), while impulse is the change in momentum (I = Δp = mΔv).

Q2: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, negative impulse indicates the force acted in the opposite direction to the positive reference direction.

Q3: How is impulse related to force?
A: Impulse equals force multiplied by time (I = FΔt), which is equivalent to change in momentum.

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

Q5: Why is impulse important in collisions?
A: In collisions, impulse helps determine the forces involved and how momentum is transferred between objects.