Impulse (J = FΔt)
Also known as change in momentum · impulse-momentum theorem
Enter your known values, leave one input blank, and solves for the missing one. Try different units for next level excitement!
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Impulse is force applied over time, and it equals the change in momentum it produces — J carries the same units as momentum (N·s = kg·m/s). That trade-off is the whole idea behind airbags and crumple zones: the momentum change in a crash is fixed by the speeds involved, so stretching the contact time Δt slashes the average force F your body must absorb.
Impulse (J = FΔt)
Where
- = Impulse (change in momentum)
- = Average force
- = Contact time
Missing one of these? Work it out first, then come back
- Impulse (change in momentum) — Linear Momentum (p = mv), Photon Momentum (p = h/λ)
- Average force — Newton's Second Law, Work (W = Fd cos θ)
- Contact time — Speed, Distance & Time, Final Velocity (Uniform Acceleration)