Find linear momentum p = m v and the impulse J = F Δt delivered by a force over a short time.
| Momentum (kg·m/s) | – |
| Impulse (N·s) | – |
Use this calculator for a 1D collision or a shove: momentum is mass times velocity, and a force acting for a short time delivers an impulse equal to the change in momentum if mass stays constant.
The two results are independent: p uses mass and velocity; J uses force and duration. SI units match (kg·m/s and N·s are the same dimension). Sign of velocity sets direction on a line. This is not a 2D vector sum and it does not solve a full collision (coefficients of restitution live elsewhere).
Mass (kg): Inertial mass in kilograms.
Velocity (m/s): Velocity along your axis; negative is the opposite way.
Force (N): Average force during the interval, in newtons.
Time (s): How long that force acts, in seconds, not negative.
Momentum (kg·m/s): p = m v.
Impulse (N·s): J = F Δt. Equal to Δp only if mass is constant.
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