Impulse

1. Understanding Impulse

• Impulse is a measure of the amount of force applied to an object over a certain time period.
• It describes the shock experienced by an object during a collision.
• Formula:

where: $\text{Impulse} = F \Delta t$

• $F = force$ $(N)$
• $\Delta t = time$ $interval$ $(s)$

2. Impulse and Momentum

• Impulse causes a change in momentum.

• Using Newton's Second Law: $F = \frac{\Delta p}{\Delta t}$

  • Rearranging: $F \Delta t = \Delta p$

  • Since momentum is: $p = mv$

  • We can conclude: $\text{Impulse} = \text{Change in Momentum}$

• Units of impulse and momentum are the same:

  • 1 Ns = 1 kg·m/s

4. Key Takeaways

• $Impulse = Force × Time.$
• Impulse and momentum have the same unit (Ns or kg·m/s).
• Impulse is equal to the change in momentum.
• Newton's Third Law applies: The force on one object is equal and opposite to the force on the other.