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:

• \( Mass \) — Object's mass in kilograms (kg)
• \( Velocity_2 \) — Final velocity in meters per second (m/s)
• \( Velocity_1 \) — Initial velocity in meters per second (m/s)

Explanation: The equation calculates the change in momentum, which equals the impulse applied to the object.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Impulse is crucial in physics for understanding collisions, rocket propulsion, sports mechanics, and safety engineering (like airbags and crumple zones in cars).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and velocities in meters per second. Velocity difference (V2 - V1) determines the direction of impulse.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the units of impulse?
A: The SI unit of impulse is the newton-second (N·s) or kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s).

Q2: How is impulse related to force?
A: Impulse equals the average force multiplied by the time over which it acts (J = F × Δt).

Q3: What's the difference between impulse and momentum?
A: Momentum is mass times velocity (p = mv), while impulse is the change in momentum (Δp).

Q4: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, negative impulse indicates the force was in the opposite direction of the initial motion.

Q5: How is impulse used in real-world applications?
A: It's used in designing safety features, analyzing sports techniques, and understanding rocket propulsion.