Finding force when given momentum

1. Mar 1, 2006

avb203796

If you are given the momentum of a particle as a function of time, How do you find the force as a function of time? Do you just take the derivative of the momentum function? In other words, if I am given p(t)=10.0t^2+7.0 would my force be 20t?

2. Mar 1, 2006

ranger

Force is the time derivative of momentum
[force is the name of the derivative of momentum with respect to time]

So you are right.

3. Mar 1, 2006

avb203796

Great thank you so if I then wanted to find the impulse the particle recieves if the force is applied to it from 0s to 10.0s all I would have to do is integrate my force equation from 0 to 10 right?

4. Mar 1, 2006

Hootenanny

Staff Emeritus
Yes, you would integrate with respect to t.

5. Mar 1, 2006

ranger

The integral of the force over the time interval is its impulse. The impulse of a force is a vector given by the integral

You're good at this stuff man

EDIT: Hootenanny replied while I was typing.

6. Mar 1, 2006

avb203796

Great thank you both for all your help!

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