What is Impulse

An impulse is something that occurs when the duration or existence of a force is lesser than the usual time. This can also be popularly known as impulsive force. A force is an effect that really can alter an object’s motion. An object having mass can vary its velocity as a consequence of a force. Force and impulse are directly related in that the impulse imposed on an item or a mass is directly proportional to the amount of force applied and the length of time the force is applied. Impulse has both magnitude and direction and hence it is called a vector quantity. In this blog, you will learn in detail about what is impulse, force, impulse meaning, what is a force and some common FAQs.

What is an impulse?

Impulse meaning is, it is a type of force that acts only for a short span of time. Impulse can be popularly denoted by the notation Jx. The impulse occupies a clear space underneath the curve in the force-versus-time graph. During a collision where two more particles collide with each other, the force involved within or among the objects is higher compared to other forces. An impulsive force is one in which a large amount of force is exhibited in a very short span of time. During collision two phases occur, one is the compression and the other is expansion. The impulsive force starts growing quickly in the initial time and suddenly drops down to zero at the end. The force before the contact begins and after the contact ends is zero.

Impulse can be expressed by the following terms:

Jx  = Total force x Time difference = Fnet x 𝛥t

Impulse can be expressed as the product of total force and the difference between time.

It can also be expressed as integration of force:

Jx =∫Fdt

Examples of impulse

• When a footballer hits a ball on the ground which is at rest with a greater force it travels at a greater distance and falls at a distance apart. In this scenario, impulsive force is involved in facilitating the ball to move at a greater distance in a short period of time.
• When a golf player hits the golf ball with the golf stick the golf ball travels a long distance in a short span of time with the help of the impulsive force.
• Impulsive forces can be found commonly among people who practise martial arts. They do a heavy task that involves greater force in a shorter time. This includes breaking bricks with hand, breaking the tiles, swift movement of hands and legs.
• Grinding with a mortar and pestle involves impulsive force. A strong force is applied to a substance or a particle in a short span of time. 
• Dropping a ball down on a floor happens in a short span of time but involves more energy on the floor and the ball, which again deliberately falls under impulsive force. 

What is a force?

The answer to the question of what is a force is here. It is a form of interaction that happens to or within an object or a body as a result of a pull or a push applied on the same object. When two or more bodies come towards each other to interact it will result in the birth of force. The attraction or interaction between two or more bodies will result in a force and their absence denotes the absence of force. Force can exist on an object only with the occurrence of an Interaction. It has both magnitude and direction and hence it is called a vector quantity. Force is a magnitude or a direction that is measured in Newtons, which is the standard metric unit. The letter “N” is used to represent Newton. Forces are basically classified into two types. They are:

• Contact forces
• Non-contact forces

Relationship between Impulse and momentum

An object’s mass and velocity can provide the Momentum, as it is just the product of both m and v (m – mass, v – velocity). A higher momentum can be experienced if the mass of the object or the velocity possessed by an object is extremely higher. Momentum has both magnitude and direction and hence it is called a vector quantity. Momentum can be popularly denoted by the notation px. The work which is done with the involvement of energy is similar to that which is done with momentum. Both energy and momentum are correlated. The momentum principle provides a clear relationship between impulse and momentum. Impulse has the potential to change the momentum of an object, body or system. The momentum principle is given by:

𝛥px = 𝛥Jx

Conclusion

Impulse is applied in real life to various places. This helps in understanding the basic principles and science of actions, interactions and events that occur around us. Impulse is related to force and momentum and helps in solving problems that are highly complex. It plays a key role in understanding the principles of basic actions to complex events. It provides clues on everything starting from throwing a ball onto the ground to launching a satellite into space.