Difference between impulse and magnitude of force

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between the magnitude of a force and its impulse. The magnitude of a force, represented as ##|\vec F| = \sqrt{F_x^2 + F_y^2 + F_z^2}##, is a scalar quantity indicating the strength of the force. In contrast, impulse, calculated as ##\vec F \Delta t##, is the product of force and the time duration it acts, representing a change in momentum. Impulse and force have different physical units, with force relating to acceleration via Newton's second law and impulse reflecting total momentum change over time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector forces and their components
  • Familiarity with Newton's second law of motion
  • Basic knowledge of momentum and its conservation
  • Concept of integration in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between force and acceleration in Newton's second law
  • Explore the concept of momentum and its conservation in closed systems
  • Learn about the mathematical integration of force over time to calculate impulse
  • Investigate real-world applications of impulse in collision scenarios
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Physics students, educators, and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of force dynamics and momentum in mechanics.

Za Kh
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we learned about the impulse of a force , but just then a question came to my mind , what's the difference between the magnitude of a force and its impulse , or are they the same ... ??
 
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The magnitude of a (vector) force ##\vec F## is ##|\vec F| = \sqrt{F_x^2 + F_y^2 + F_z^2}##. The impulse of the force when it acts for time ##\Delta t## is ##\vec F \Delta t##.
 
thanks ! :)
 
Impulse is the force integrated over time so impulse and force have different physical units. The force relates to the acceleration of an object through Newton's second law while the impulse relates to a total change of momentum over a given time.
 

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