1. What is Impulse?

Impulse is the product of a force and the time interval over which it acts. It is a vector quantity that has the same direction as the force. Impulse equals the change in momentum of an object.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the impulse equation:

Where:

• \( Force \) — Applied force in newtons (N)
• \( Time \) — Duration of force application in seconds (s)

Explanation: The equation shows that impulse depends on both the magnitude of the force and the duration of its application.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Impulse is crucial in understanding collisions, rocket propulsion, sports mechanics, and any situation where forces act over time intervals.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in newtons (N) and time in seconds (s). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is impulse related to momentum?
A: Impulse equals the change in momentum of an object (J = Δp). This is known as the impulse-momentum theorem.

Q2: What are common units for impulse?
A: The SI unit is newton-second (N·s), which is equivalent to kg·m/s.

Q3: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, impulse can be negative if the force is applied in the opposite direction to the chosen positive direction.

Q4: How does impulse differ from work?
A: Impulse depends on time (F×t) while work depends on displacement (F×d). Both are important but measure different aspects of force application.

Q5: Why is impulse important in safety engineering?
A: Safety devices like airbags increase the time of impact, reducing the force (while maintaining the same impulse) to protect occupants.