Impulse

The Impulse calculator computes the impulse (J) as a function of a force (F) and the period of time (Δt) where the force is applied.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose the preferred units and enter the following:

• (F) This is the net force of the system.
• (Δt) This is the duration that the force is applied.

Impulse (J): The calculator returns the Impulse (J) in Newton•Seconds.

Related Calculators:

• Impulse at an angle
• Force
• Momentum

The Math / Science

Impulse is the product of the net force and the time interval for which the force acts.  Furthermore, impulse shows how much the force changes the momentum of a body. When a net force acts on a body it will result in an acceleration which alters the motion of the body. A large net force will cause a larger acceleration than a small net force. The total change in motion of the object can be the same if the large and small forces act for different time intervals. The combination of the force and time that it acts is a useful quantity which leads us to define impulse.

 J = F • Δt

where:

• F is the net force on the system
• Δt is the duration of the force.

Forces produce either acceleration or deceleration on moving bodies, and the greater the force acting on an object, the greater its change in velocity and, hence, the greater its change in momentum. However, changing momentum is also related to how long a time the force acts. If a brief force is applied to a stalled automobile, a change in its momentum is produced . The same force applied over an extended period of time produces a greater change in the automobile's momentum.