Introduction
The Impulse Calculator helps you solve impulse and momentum problems in physics. Impulse is the change in momentum that happens when a force acts on an object over time. When you push, hit, or stop something, you create an impulse.
This tool can calculate impulse using two main methods. First, it can find impulse from the change in momentum (mass times velocity change). Second, it can find impulse from force times time. The calculator also solves for missing values like force, time, mass, or velocity when you know the other parts.
Use this calculator for physics homework, real-world problems, or to understand how forces change motion. It works for any situation where momentum changes - from baseball hits to car crashes to rocket launches. The tool shows step-by-step math, draws helpful diagrams, and converts between different units to make impulse calculations simple and clear.
How to use our Impulse Calculator
Enter values for mass, speed, force, or time to find impulse. The calculator will show how much an object's motion changes when a force acts on it.
Calculation Mode: Pick what you want to find. Choose from impulse, force, time, mass, or speed options.
Mass: Type the weight of your object. Pick the right unit like kilograms or pounds.
Initial Velocity (v₁): Enter how fast the object moves at the start. Use negative numbers for backward motion.
Final Velocity (v₂): Put in the object's speed at the end. Negative values mean it moves the other way.
Force (F): Add the push or pull strength on the object. This gets turned off for some calculation modes.
Time Duration (Δt): Write how long the force acts. Only use positive numbers for time.
Significant Figures: Choose how many digits to show in your answer. Pick "Auto" to let the calculator decide.
Understanding Impulse in Physics
Impulse is a key concept in physics that measures how a force changes an object's motion over time. When you push or pull something, you apply an impulse that changes how fast it moves. Think of impulse as the total "push" given to an object.
What Makes Impulse Important
Impulse connects force and time to show how motion changes. When a baseball bat hits a ball, the bat applies a force for a very short time. This creates an impulse that sends the ball flying. The same happens when you catch a ball - your hands apply force to slow it down. The impulse equals the change in the object's momentum, which is its mass times velocity. You can explore related motion concepts with our Momentum Calculator or analyze the forces involved using our Force Calculator.
How Impulse Works in Real Life
Car airbags use impulse to save lives. During a crash, airbags increase the time it takes for you to stop moving. This longer time means less force on your body, even though the impulse stays the same. Sports use this idea too. A boxer rolls with a punch to increase contact time and reduce force. Tennis players follow through their swings to increase contact time with the ball, giving it more impulse. To understand the accelerations involved in these scenarios, check our Acceleration Calculator or explore extreme forces with our G Force Calculator.
The Two Ways to Find Impulse
You can calculate impulse using two methods. First, multiply the force by how long it acts (Impulse = Force × Time). Second, find the change in momentum by using mass and velocity change (Impulse = Mass × Change in Velocity). Both methods give the same answer because impulse always equals the change in momentum. This is called the impulse-momentum theorem. For related motion calculations, try our Displacement Calculator or explore projectile