Impulse Calculator
🎱 Momentum & collisions. Use the Impulse formula to find average force, contact time δt, mass, change in velocity δv: pick the value you want, type the others, and the answer updates as you go.
A longer impact time means a smaller force (airbags, crumple zones).
Pick the ○ next to the value you want to find, fill in the others, and it solves as you type.
What each letter means
| Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|
| Average force | N |
| Contact time Δt | s |
| Mass | kg |
| Change in velocity Δv | m/s |
Worked example
Find the average force when Contact time Δt = 0.01 s, Mass = 0.16 kg, Change in velocity Δv = 4 m/s.
Using F Δ t = m Δ v: Average force = 64 N.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for Impulse?
F Δ t = m Δ v. A longer impact time means a smaller force (airbags, crumple zones).
What do the letters stand for, and what units are used?
Average force in N, Contact time Δt in s, Mass in kg, Change in velocity Δv in m/s.
How do you calculate average force?
Put the values into F Δ t = m Δ v. For example, with Contact time Δt = 0.01 s, Mass = 0.16 kg, Change in velocity Δv = 4 m/s, average force = 64 N.
Can I solve for a different value?
Yes. In the calculator above, pick the circle next to any value (average force, contact time δt, mass, change in velocity δv) and fill in the others: it rearranges the formula for you.
