Understanding the concept of impulse

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SUMMARY

Impulse is defined as the change in momentum of an object, represented mathematically as the product of the force applied to the object and the duration of time the force is applied. In the context of physics, when a force acts on an object for a specific time interval, it results in a change in momentum, quantified as Δp (in kg m/s). This fundamental concept is crucial for understanding dynamics and motion in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of momentum and its formula (p = mv)
  • Familiarity with Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Knowledge of force and its units (Newtons)
  • Concept of time as a variable in physics equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between force, time, and impulse using real-world examples
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of impulse-momentum theorem
  • Learn about applications of impulse in collision scenarios
  • Investigate the differences between impulse and work in physics
USEFUL FOR

High school students, particularly those studying physics, educators looking to explain fundamental concepts, and anyone interested in the principles of dynamics and motion.

danago
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Hey. I am having a little trouble understanding the concept of impulse. The textbook i am using doesn't really shed much light onto the topic.

I know that impulse is equal to the change in momentum of an object, or the product of a force applied to an object and the time it is applied for.

If somebody could please basically explain what impulse is, that would be great. I am a year 11 student in Australia, so i only really need to understand on a basic level.

Thanks,
Dan.
 
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You said it. If a force is applied to an object for some time, and that as a result the momentum of the object changed by an amount \Delta p, then we say that the impulse delivered by the force was of \Delta p kg m/s.
 

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