Impulse

The effect of a force not only depends on its magnitude but also on the time for which the force acts. When a large force acts for a very short time, one more important parameter comes into play.

If the force does not vary with time, then

units of impulse are gcms^-¹ or kgms^-¹

Sub Topics

Relation between impulse and momentum
Applications of impulse

Relation between impulse and momentum

Impulse of a varying force is equal to the change in momentum produced by the force.

Applications of impulse

While catching a moving cricket ball, a player lowers his hands after catching the ball.

Automobiles are provided with spring systems to reduce the damage to the vehicle when it receives a shock.

A man falling from a certain height gets injured more severely when he falls on concrete when compared to his falling on sand.

It is more difficult to catch a cricket ball when compared to a tennis ball.