Science calculator
Momentum and impulse.
A free GCSE physics calculator for momentum and impulse. Choose the relationship, type the values you know and leave the unknown blank; the answer appears on the display. Useful for revision and quick checks, with sign conventions and assumptions stated below.
- p momentum (kg·m/s) · m mass (kg) · v velocity (m/s)
- J impulse (N·s, equal to kg·m/s) · F resultant force (N) · t time (s) · pi initial momentum · pf final momentum
Assumptions
- Motion is treated in one dimension. Choose one direction as positive and keep velocity, force, momentum and impulse signs consistent.
- Mass is positive and constant; speeds are non-relativistic.
- J = Ft uses a constant resultant force, or the average resultant force over the stated time interval.
- The time interval is positive. Impulse and change in momentum can be negative when they act opposite to the chosen positive direction.
- Calculations use SI units internally; the unit menus convert at the edges.
How it works
Momentum combines mass and velocity. It is a vector quantity, so in a one-dimensional GCSE question its sign records direction: an object moving in the negative direction has negative momentum.
Impulse is the change in momentum caused by a resultant force. For a constant force it is force × time; on a force–time graph it is the signed area under the graph. Select the matching relationship and leave the quantity you need blank.
Results use up to three significant figures by default (adjustable above), without padding with trailing zeroes. Calculations retain full number precision and round only the display.
- Free
- No ads
- No tracking
- No account
- Works offline once loaded
From the maker of Ans — a scientific calculator you can own. Same idea: a proper instrument, nothing in the way.