Impulse Calculator
Connects a force and its duration to a change in velocity.
Impulse
— N·s
Share sends a link that reopens these numbers. Copy details pastes the full breakdown as a list.
Average force —
Change in velocity —
The formula
J = F × t = m(v − u)
Impulse is the change in momentum. The force here is the average over the contact time, since real impacts peak well above it.
What to watch out for
Stretching out the contact time reduces the force for the same impulse. That is why airbags and crumple zones work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the force of kicking a 0.45 kg ball to 25 m/s in 10 ms?
The impulse is 11.25 N·s, and the average force is 1,125 N.
Are impulse and momentum the same unit?
Yes. A newton second equals a kg·m/s.