Physics
Intermediate

Impulse

Change in momentum from a force over time.

Formula

J=FΔt=ΔpJ = F\Delta t = \Delta p

Variables

FForce
\Delta tTime interval

Example

A 5 N force for 2 s changes momentum by J = 5·2 = 10 kg·m/s.

Did You Know?

Airbags work by extending the time of impact, which lowers the force for the same change in momentum.

impulsemomentum