1. What is Impulse?

Impulse is the product of a force and the time interval over which it acts. It equals the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied. The SI unit of impulse is the newton-second (N·s) or kilogram-meter per second (kg·m/s).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the impulse equation:

For constant force, this simplifies to: \[ I = F \times (t_2 - t_1) \]

Where:

• \( I \) — Impulse (kg·m/s)
• \( F \) — Force (N)
• \( t_1 \) — Initial time (s)
• \( t_2 \) — Final time (s)

Explanation: The impulse equals the area under the force-time curve between t₁ and t₂.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Impulse is fundamental in analyzing collisions, rocket motion, and any situation where forces act over time intervals. It's directly related to momentum change via the impulse-momentum theorem.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter force in newtons (N) and time values in seconds (s). Final time must be greater than initial time. For variable forces, use average force over the interval.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What's the difference between impulse and force?
A: Force measures instantaneous push/pull, while impulse measures the total effect of a force over time.

Q3: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, if the force direction opposes the chosen positive direction, the impulse can be negative.

Q4: How does this apply to car safety?
A: Airbags increase collision time, reducing force (since Δp is fixed) for the same impulse.

Q5: What if force isn't constant?
A: For variable forces, you'd need to integrate the force-time function or use numerical methods.