Impulsive Tension: Debunking Its Usefulness in Calculating Momentum Change

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SUMMARY

The term "impulsive tension" is primarily used to describe a force that acts for a very short duration, making it impractical to measure instantaneously. In the context of momentum change, impulsive tension is relevant when considering an ideal wire attached to a body that is quickly pulled and released. This concept emphasizes the relationship between impulse and momentum, where impulsive forces result in a measurable change in momentum despite their brief duration. The discussion clarifies that while impulsive tension is a useful term, its primary function is to facilitate calculations related to momentum change.

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  • Understanding of impulse and momentum principles in physics
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of tension forces in mechanics
  • Concept of idealized systems in physics
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Physics students, educators, and professionals in mechanics who are interested in the concepts of impulse, momentum, and tension forces in dynamic systems.

eileen6a
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is it appropriate to call a term impulsive tension or is it just useful for calculation of change of momentum?
 
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usually you call impulsive a force that is non zero for such a short time that it is impractical (or impossible) to measure instant by instant so you have to rely on its impulse that is the change of momentum of what it acts on. For a tension this could be appropriate e.g. an ideal wire is attached to a body and you give it a quick pull and let go of the wire

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