Newton-second


The newton-second is the unit of impulse in the International System of Units. It is dimensionally equivalent to the momentum unit kilogram-metre per second. One newton-second corresponds to a one-newton force applied for one second.
It can be used to identify the resultant velocity of a mass if a force accelerates the mass for a specific time interval.

Definition

Momentum is given by the formula:
  • is the momentum in newton-seconds or "kilogram-metres per second"
  • is the mass in kilograms
  • is the velocity in metres per second

    Examples

This table gives the magnitudes of some momenta for various masses and speeds.
Mass
Speed
Momentum
Explanation
0.422.41A football kicked to a speed of.
0.423816The momentum of the famous football kick of the Brazilian player Roberto Carlos in the match against France in 1997. The football had a speed of, making it one of the hardest kicks measured.
10A four-door car weighing crashing at.
10A mid-size SUV weighing crashing at.
616The total impulse of a class C model rocket engine, which can be found in amateur fireworks.
10220The total impulse of a class D model rocket engine, which also can be found in amateur fireworks.
Space Shuttle launched from Earth to orbit
Apollo 11 launched from Earth to orbit
0.00753502.6A handgun bullet fired at.
0.0049453.8A rifle bullet fired at.
0.0586043A anti-material bullet fired at.