1. What is Impulse?

Definition: Impulse is the product of force and the time over which it acts, equal to the change in momentum of an object.

Purpose: It helps analyze collisions, impacts, and other situations where forces act over time intervals.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( J \) — Impulse (Newton-seconds)
• \( F \) — Force (Newtons)
• \( \Delta t \) — Time interval (seconds)

Explanation: The force is multiplied by the time duration over which it acts to determine the impulse.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Impulse is crucial in physics and engineering for understanding collisions, designing safety systems, and analyzing motion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the force in Newtons and the time interval in seconds. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is impulse related to momentum?
A: Impulse equals the change in momentum (J = Δp) according to the impulse-momentum theorem.

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

Q3: When would impulse be negative?
A: When the force direction is opposite to the chosen positive direction in your coordinate system.

Q4: Can impulse be calculated for variable forces?
A: Yes, but requires integration (J = ∫F dt) over the time interval.

Q5: Why is impulse important in safety design?
A: Safety devices (like airbags) increase impact time to reduce force for a given impulse, protecting occupants.