Impulse Equation

Reference from the original Physics I textbook.

Impulse: J⃗ = p⃗_f − p⃗_i = ∫F⃗_net dt. For a constant net force, J⃗ = F⃗_netΔt; equivalently, J⃗ = F⃗_avgΔt.

$\vec{I} = Impulse (N \cdot s)$
${\vec{p}}_{f} = Final Momentum (N \cdot s)$
${\vec{p}}_{i} = Initial Momentum (N \cdot s)$
$\vec{F} = Applied Force (N)$
$Δ t = Time (s)$

$[\begin{aligned} 1 Newton & = 1 kg \cdot m / s^{2} \end{aligned}]$

Related Glossary Terms

Impulse, Momentum-Force Equation

Index

Chapter 4 - Introduction to Momentum

Chapter 4 - FFR - Kinetic Energy

Reviewed physics notes (1)

These corrections keep the original lesson’s purpose while fixing errors in the source edition.

Force times interval must use constant force or the average net force. — Reference 1

About this edition and its source ↗

Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers

These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.

Impulse
Impulse is the change in linear momentum produced by a force over a time interval. It equals the signed vector area under a force-versus-time graph and is measured in newton-seconds. For example, a padded landing spreads the stopping impulse over more time, reducing the average force for the same momentum change.
Read more: Impulse →

Impulse Equation

Impulse

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