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 product of force and the time duration for which it acts, or equivalently, the product of mass and 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)
• \( \Delta v \) — Change in velocity (m/s)

Explanation: The equation shows that impulse can be calculated either as force multiplied by time or as mass multiplied by change in velocity.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Impulse is crucial in understanding 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 the mass in kilograms and velocity change in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers.

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 (Δp = mΔv = FΔt).

Q2: 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).

Q3: How is impulse related to force?
A: Impulse equals the average force multiplied by the time over which it acts (I = F × Δt).

Q4: Why is impulse important in safety engineering?
A: Safety devices like airbags increase the time of impact (Δt), reducing the force (F) for a given impulse, making collisions less dangerous.

Q5: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, impulse can be negative if the force direction opposes the positive coordinate direction, indicating a decrease in momentum.