1. What is Impulse in Physics?

Impulse (I) is the change in momentum (Δp) of an object when a force is applied over a time interval. In vertical motion, it's calculated as the product of mass and change in vertical velocity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the impulse-momentum theorem:

Where:

• \( I \) — Impulse (kg·m/s)
• \( \Delta p \) — Change in momentum (kg·m/s)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( \Delta v_y \) — Change in vertical velocity (m/s)

Explanation: The equation shows that impulse equals the product of an object's mass and its change in vertical velocity.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Calculating impulse is crucial for understanding collisions, rocket propulsion, sports physics, and any scenario where forces act over time to change an object's motion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and vertical velocity change in meters per second. Both values must be valid (mass > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between impulse and momentum?
A: Momentum is mass times velocity (p = mv), while impulse is the change in momentum (I = Δp = mΔv).

Q2: Can impulse be negative?
A: Yes, impulse can be negative if the velocity change is negative (indicating direction opposite to the chosen positive direction).

Q3: How is impulse related to force?
A: Impulse equals force multiplied by time (I = FΔt), connecting force directly to momentum change.

Q4: What are typical units for impulse?
A: The SI unit is kg·m/s (same as momentum), or equivalently N·s (newton-seconds).

Q5: Why is vertical impulse important?
A: Vertical impulse is crucial in analyzing jumps, projectile motion, and any motion where gravity plays a significant role.