Impulse is a measure of how much a force changes an object’s momentum when applied over a certain period of time. It is defined as the product of force and the time duration for which the force acts:
Impulse = Force × Time
Impulse is directly related to momentum, which is the product of an object’s mass and velocity. According to the impulse-momentum theorem, the impulse acting on an object is equal to the change in its momentum:
Impulse = Change in momentum
This concept is important in understanding how forces affect motion in real-world situations:
- In sports, players extend the time over which they catch a ball to reduce the force on their hands.
- Airbags in cars increase the time over which a passenger slows down during a crash, thereby reducing the impact force.
- In collisions, impulse explains how brief forces cause significant changes in an object’s motion.
In essence, impulse bridges force and momentum, showing how even a short burst of force can cause a big change—depending on how long it’s applied.