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 the average force and the time duration of the force application.

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)
• \( v_f \) — Final velocity (m/s)
• \( v_i \) — Initial velocity (m/s)

Explanation: The impulse experienced by an object equals its mass multiplied by its change in velocity.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Impulse is crucial in understanding collisions, safety mechanisms (like airbags), rocket propulsion, and many other physics applications where forces act over time intervals.

4. Using the Calculator

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

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). This is equivalent to the change in momentum.

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: 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: How does impulse relate to collisions?
A: In collisions, the impulse determines how much the momentum changes, which helps analyze the forces involved during impact.

Q5: 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).