By Zencalcy Editorial TeamLast reviewed About us
Impulse is force multiplied by the time it acts, and it equals the change in momentum. The same impulse can come from a large force over a short time or a small force over a long time, which is why crumple zones and airbags work.
Convert between force, time, impulse and velocity change.
J = F · Δt J = m · Δv
J is the impulse in newton-seconds, which is the same unit as momentum in kilogram-metres per second.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| F | Average force, in newtons. |
| Δt | Contact time, in seconds. |
| m | Mass, in kilograms. |
| Δv | Change in velocity, in metres per second. |
| J | Impulse, in newton-seconds. |
An impulse of 20 N·s changes the velocity of a 2 kg object by 10 m/s, because Δv = J / m.
Continue with the Inclined Plane Calculator, Maximum Height Calculator, or the MOA Calculator — or browse more kinematics tools and all physics calculators.
They extend the stopping time, so the same momentum change happens with a smaller average force.
Results are computed from the standard equations of classical mechanics. Unit conversions use the SI definitions published by NIST. Air resistance is ignored unless the calculator names a drag model.
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Last reviewed: September 2026. See how we build and check every tool on the about page.
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Content updated: September 2026