Physics Impulse Calculator – Find Instant Answers

Q: 3. What is the impulse formula?

There are two main formulas for calculating impulse: J = FΔt, where J represents impulse, F represents the average force applied, and Δt represents the time interval over which the force acts; and J = m(vf - vi), where m is the mass of the object, vf is the final velocity, and vi is the initial velocity.

Q: 5. What unit is impulse in physics?

The SI unit for impulse is the Newton-second (N·s), which is equivalent to the kilogram meter per second (kg·m/s). Both units represent the same physical quantity.

How to Calculate Impulse in Physics (With Examples)

What is Impulse Calculator?

Vedantu’s Impulse Calculator helps you instantly compute the impulse experienced by an object in any physics scenario. By entering force and time, or mass and change in velocity, you get accurate results in N·s or kg·m/s.

This tool is ideal for quickly solving coursework, checking answers, or learning about impulse and momentum change. The calculator handles unit conversions and provides stepwise solutions, saving you time and effort.

Formula Behind Impulse Calculator

Impulse (J) in physics is defined as either the product of a constant force (F) and time interval (Δt), or as the change in momentum (Δp). The two main formulas are: J = F × Δt and J = m × (v_f – v_i), where m is mass, v_f is final velocity, and v_i is initial velocity. Both yield SI units of N·s (Newton-second) or kg·m/s, which are equivalent.

Impulse Calculation Conversion Table

Situation	Inputs	Impulse Output
Bat hits ball	Force = 50 N, Time = 0.02 s	1.0 N·s
Car stops suddenly	Mass = 1000 kg, v_i = 20 m/s, v_f = 0	–20000 kg·m/s
Stone thrown up	Mass = 0.5 kg, v_i=0, v_f=10 m/s	5.0 kg·m/s

Steps to Use Impulse Calculator

Select whether to use Force & Time or Mass & Velocity mode at the top.
Enter the required values in the input boxes provided.
Click the orange "Calculate" button to display the stepwise impulse result below.

Why Use Vedantu’s Impulse Calculator?

This calculator provides instant, stepwise impulse calculations for physics homework, experiments, or revision. You can quickly solve questions requiring impulse from either force and time or mass and velocities.

Smart design ensures formulas and units are clearly shown, helping you deeply understand underlying concepts for exams like CBSE, ICSE, JEE, or NEET. With mobile optimization, precise logic, and trusted results, your learning is smooth and effective.

Applications of Impulse Calculator

The impulse formula is essential in analyzing collisions in cricket, football, and other sports. It helps measure the impact force during a car crash or when designers create safer vehicles and airbags for road safety.

Engineers use impulse calculations for rocket launches and ballistics, while students rely on it in lab experiments and physics Olympiad problems. With this free tool, you can also study changing momentum during martial arts moves or bungee jumping.

Are you looking for more tools for maths and science? Try our HCF Calculator, Prime Numbers guide, Multiples in Maths resource, or explore Algebra Topics for comprehensive learning support.

Remember: Always keep units consistent (Newtons for force, seconds for time, kg and m/s for momentum). For more math help, explore the Factors of Numbers page.

FAQs on Physics Impulse Calculator – Find Instant Answers

1. How do you calculate impulse in physics?

Impulse, denoted by J, is the change in momentum of an object. It can be calculated in two primary ways: J = FΔt (force multiplied by the time the force acts) or J = m(vf - vi) (mass multiplied by the change in velocity). The units of impulse are Newton-seconds (N·s) or kilogram meters per second (kg·m/s).

2. What is impulse equal to?

Impulse (J) is equal to the change in momentum (Δp) of an object. This is the core concept of the impulse-momentum theorem: J = Δp = m(vf - vi), where 'm' is mass, 'vf' is final velocity, and 'vi' is initial velocity. It is also equal to the product of the average force (F) acting on the object and the time interval (Δt) over which the force acts: J = FΔt.

3. What is the impulse formula?

There are two main formulas for calculating impulse: J = FΔt, where J represents impulse, F represents the average force applied, and Δt represents the time interval over which the force acts; and J = m(vf - vi), where m is the mass of the object, vf is the final velocity, and vi is the initial velocity.

4. How to calculate impulse without time?

If you don't know the time the force acts, you can calculate impulse using the change in momentum: J = m(vf - vi). This formula requires the mass (m) and the initial (vi) and final (vf) velocities of the object.

5. What unit is impulse in physics?

The SI unit for impulse is the Newton-second (N·s), which is equivalent to the kilogram meter per second (kg·m/s). Both units represent the same physical quantity.

6. What is the relationship between impulse and momentum?

Impulse is directly related to momentum; it's the change in momentum of an object. The impulse-momentum theorem states that the impulse acting on an object is equal to the change in its momentum: J = Δp. This means that a larger impulse results in a larger change in momentum.

7. How is impulse used in real-life situations?

Impulse plays a significant role in many everyday scenarios. For instance, in sports like baseball or cricket, the impulse imparted by the bat to the ball determines its subsequent trajectory. In car safety, airbags increase the time of impact, thus reducing the force and overall impulse on the passengers. Rocket propulsion also relies heavily on the principles of impulse.

8. Give an example of impulse calculation.

Let's say a 0.15 kg baseball is hit by a bat. The bat applies an average force of 1000 N for 0.01 seconds. The impulse can be calculated using J = FΔt = 1000 N * 0.01 s = 10 N·s. This means the bat transferred a momentum change of 10 N·s to the baseball.

9. What is the difference between impulse and momentum?

Momentum is the quantity of motion an object possesses, defined as mass times velocity (p = mv). Impulse, on the other hand, is the change in momentum (J = Δp). Momentum is a property of a moving object; impulse is a measure of how much that momentum changes due to a force acting over time.

10. Can impulse be negative?

Yes, impulse can be negative. A negative impulse indicates a decrease in momentum. For example, when a ball hits a wall and bounces back, the impulse experienced by the ball is negative because its momentum changes direction.

11. How does impulse relate to the force of impact?

The force of impact is inversely proportional to the time over which the force acts when the impulse is constant. Increasing the time of impact (like with airbags in cars) reduces the force of impact for the same impulse.