1. What is Impulse in Physics?

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

Purpose: This calculator helps determine the impulse when you know the mass of an object and its change in velocity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( J \) — Impulse (Newton-seconds)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kilograms)
• \( \Delta v \) — Change in velocity (meters/second)

Explanation: The mass is multiplied by the change in velocity to calculate the impulse, which equals the change in momentum.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Impulse is crucial in understanding collisions, rocket propulsion, and any situation where forces act over time to change an object's motion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mass in kilograms and the change in velocity in meters/second. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the units of impulse?
A: Impulse is measured in Newton-seconds (N s) or kg·m/s.

Q2: How is impulse related to momentum?
A: Impulse equals the change in momentum of an object (J = Δp).

Q3: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, impulse can be negative if the change in velocity is negative, indicating a direction opposite to the chosen positive direction.

Q4: What's the difference between impulse and force?
A: Force is instantaneous, while impulse is force applied over time (J = F × Δt).

Q5: How is this formula used in real-world applications?
A: It's used in designing airbags, analyzing sports impacts, calculating rocket thrust, and more.