Difference between impulse and magnitude of force

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the distinction between the magnitude of a force and its impulse, exploring their definitions and physical implications. It involves conceptual clarification and technical explanation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the magnitude of a force and its impulse are the same or different.
  • Another participant defines the magnitude of a force as the square root of the sum of the squares of its components, while stating that impulse is the product of force and the time duration over which it acts.
  • A later reply emphasizes that impulse is the integral of force over time, noting that impulse and force have different physical units and relate to different physical concepts: force to acceleration and impulse to change in momentum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present differing perspectives on the relationship between force and impulse, with no consensus reached on their equivalence or distinction.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the implications of different physical units for force and impulse, nor does it clarify the integration process for impulse.

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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