1. What is Impulse?

Impulse (J) is the product of a force (F) and the time interval (Δt) during which it acts. It equals the change in momentum of an object and is measured in newton-seconds (N·s).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the impulse equation:

Where:

• \( J \) — Impulse (N·s)
• \( F \) — Force (N)
• \( \Delta t \) — Time interval (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 physics for 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 (Δp) of an object (J = Δp).

Q2: What are typical impulse values in sports?
A: A baseball bat might impart 10-20 N·s, while a golf club can deliver 50-100 N·s to the ball.

Q3: Why is impulse important in car safety?
A: Airbags increase Δt to reduce F for a given impulse, protecting passengers during collisions.

Q4: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, if the force direction opposes the positive reference direction, the impulse is negative.

Q5: How does rocket propulsion use impulse?
A: Rocket engines provide thrust (force) over time to create impulse that changes the rocket's momentum.