1. What is Change in Momentum?

Change in momentum (Δp) represents the difference in an object's momentum between two points in time. According to Newton's second law, it equals the integral of force with respect to time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the integral formula:

Where:

• \( \Delta p \) — Change in momentum (kg·m/s)
• \( F \) — Force applied (N)
• \( t \) — Time variable (s)
• \( t_1 \) — Initial time (s)
• \( t_2 \) — Final time (s)

Explanation: The integral calculates the area under the force-time curve, which equals the total impulse and thus the change in momentum.

3. Importance of Momentum Calculation

Details: Calculating change in momentum is fundamental in physics for analyzing collisions, rocket propulsion, and any scenario where forces act over time intervals.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the force function, start time, and end time. For constant forces, simply enter the numeric value. For variable forces, the calculator uses numerical integration.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between impulse and momentum?
A: Impulse equals the change in momentum (J = Δp). Both have the same units (kg·m/s or N·s).

Q2: How does this relate to Newton's second law?
A: Newton's second law (F = dp/dt) in integral form becomes Δp = ∫F dt, which is exactly what this calculator computes.

Q3: Can this calculator handle variable forces?
A: The current implementation handles constant forces. For variable forces, a more advanced mathematical engine would be needed.

Q4: What are typical units for momentum?
A: Momentum is typically measured in kg·m/s in the SI system, or N·s (newton-seconds).

Q5: How is conservation of momentum related?
A: In closed systems with no external forces, the total momentum remains constant, making Δp = 0 for the system.