1. What is Impulse in Physics?

Impulse is the product of force and the time over which it acts. It equals the change in momentum of an object and is measured in kg·m/s (Newton-seconds).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these equations:

Where:

• \( I \) — Impulse (kg·m/s)
• \( F \) — Force (N)
• \( t \) — Time (s)
• \( m \) — Mass (kg)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)

Explanation: The calculator first determines the force during free fall (mass × gravity), then calculates impulse by multiplying this force by the time duration.

3. Importance of Impulse Calculation

Details: Impulse calculations are crucial in analyzing collisions, rocket propulsion, sports mechanics, and safety engineering (like airbag deployment timing).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms, time in seconds, and gravity in m/s² (Earth's gravity is 9.81 m/s²). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between impulse and momentum?
A: Impulse equals the change in momentum. Momentum is mass × velocity, while impulse is force × time.

Q2: Why is gravity used in this calculation?
A: For free-fall scenarios, the force is the object's weight (mass × gravity). This calculator assumes vertical motion under gravity.

Q3: Can I use this for horizontal motion?
A: Only if you know the applied force. This calculator specifically handles free-fall vertical motion scenarios.

Q4: What units should I use?
A: Use kilograms for mass, seconds for time, and m/s² for gravity to get results in standard SI units.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's accurate for idealized free-fall without air resistance. Real-world scenarios may require additional factors.