1. What is Impulse?

Impulse is a concept in physics that describes the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a time interval. It is equal to the product of the force and the time duration over which it acts.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the impulse formula:

Where:

• \( J \) — Impulse (N·s)
• \( F \) — Force applied (N)
• \( \Delta t \) — Time interval (s)

Explanation: The impulse experienced by an object equals the force applied multiplied by the time duration over which the force acts.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Calculating impulse is important in understanding collisions, sports mechanics, vehicle safety systems, and many engineering applications where forces act over specific time intervals.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between impulse and momentum?
A: Impulse equals the change in momentum of an object (J = Δp). This is known as the impulse-momentum theorem.

Q2: What are the units of impulse?
A: Impulse is measured in newton-seconds (N·s), which are equivalent to kg·m/s.

Q3: How is impulse different from force?
A: Force measures the push or pull on an object, while impulse measures the effect of that force over time.

Q4: Why is impulse important in safety equipment?
A: Safety equipment like airbags and crumple zones increase the time over which a force acts, reducing the peak force and making collisions safer.

Q5: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, impulse can be negative if the force is applied in the opposite direction to the object's motion.