Calculate impulse, force, time, or momentum change using the Impulse-Momentum Theorem.
Parameters
OR use velocity change
Calculation Results
Enter Force and Time, OR Mass and Velocities
About this calculator
Quick Reference
JImpulse
ΔpMomentum Change
FAverage Force
ΔtTime Duration
Overview
The Impulse-Momentum Theorem states that the change in momentum of an object is equal to the impulse applied to it ($J = Δp$). Impulse is also the product of the average force and the time during which it acts ($J = F × Δt$).
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Pro Tips
Impulse and momentum are vector quantities; direction matters (use negative for reverse directions).
Increasing the impact time (like using an airbag) reduces the average force for the same momentum change.
The SI unit for both impulse and momentum is N·s or kg·m/s.
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Fun Facts
"Follow-through in sports like golf or tennis increases the time of contact, maximizing the impulse and thus the ball's final velocity."
"Airbags work by increasing the time of impact during a crash, which significantly lowers the force on the passengers."
"The total momentum of an isolated system is always conserved."
