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, measured in kilogram meters per second (kg·m/s).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the impulse formula:

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 formula calculates the change in momentum by multiplying the object's mass by the change in its velocity.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Impulse is crucial in understanding collisions, rocket propulsion, and sports mechanics. It helps determine the force needed to change an object's motion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocities in meters per second. The calculator will compute the impulse based on the velocity change.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is impulse related to force?
A: Impulse equals the average force multiplied by the time over which it acts (J = F × Δt).

Q2: What's the difference between impulse and momentum?
A: Momentum is mass times velocity (p = mv), while impulse is the change in momentum (Δp).

Q3: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, impulse can be negative if the final velocity is less than the initial velocity, indicating a decrease in momentum.

Q4: What are real-world applications of impulse?
A: Airbags (increasing collision time to reduce force), golf swings (maximizing impulse for distance), and rocket launches.

Q5: How does conservation of momentum relate to impulse?
A: In closed systems, the total impulse is zero as momentum is conserved, with equal and opposite impulses on interacting objects.