Momentum & Impulse Calculator

Momentum and impulse are fundamental concepts in physics that describe the motion of objects and how forces can change their motion over time.

Key Concepts:

• Momentum (p): Product of mass and velocity, p = mv
• Impulse (J): Change in momentum due to a force, J = FΔt
• Impulse-Momentum Theorem: J = Δp = mΔv
• Conservation of Momentum: Total momentum remains constant in isolated systems

Key Formulas:

• p = mv - Linear momentum
• J = FΔt - Impulse
• J = Δp = mΔv - Impulse-momentum theorem
• p₁ + p₂ = p₁' + p₂' - Conservation of momentum
• m₁v₁ + m₂v₂ = m₁v₁' + m₂v₂' - Before and after collision

Types of Collisions:

• Elastic: Kinetic energy is conserved (bouncing balls)
• Inelastic: Some kinetic energy is lost (car crashes)
• Perfectly Inelastic: Objects stick together (clay balls)

Units:

• Momentum: kg·m/s
• Impulse: N·s = kg·m/s
• Force: Newtons (N)
• Time: seconds (s)

Applications:

• Collision analysis and safety
• Rocket propulsion
• Sports physics
• Vehicle crash testing
• Particle physics