1. What is Impulse in Physics?

Definition: Impulse is the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a time interval.

Purpose: It helps analyze the effects of forces in collisions, sports, vehicle safety systems, and other dynamic situations.

2. How Does the Impulse Formula Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( J \) — Impulse (Newton-seconds)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kilograms)
• \( v_f \) — Final velocity (meters/second)
• \( v_i \) — Initial velocity (meters/second)

Explanation: The formula calculates impulse by multiplying mass by the change in velocity (final minus initial).

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Understanding impulse is crucial for designing safety features, analyzing collisions, and optimizing performance in sports and engineering.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass in kilograms and both velocities in meters/second. The mass must be positive, but velocities can be negative for direction.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the units of impulse?
A: Impulse is measured in Newton-seconds (N·s), which is equivalent to 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 = FΔt).

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

Q4: 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).

Q5: How is this used in real-world applications?
A: Used in designing airbags, analyzing sports impacts, rocket propulsion, and any situation where forces act over time.