Difference Between Impulse and Force

Impulse vs Force

Impulse is an important concept in the study of collisions in physics and is described as change in momentum of a body which is in effect a product of its mass and the difference in its initial and final velocity. Now momentum of a moving body is given, according to Newton’s laws of motion as a product of its mass and velocity.

Hence Impulse = m (v1- v2)

Now, we also know that F = m X a = ma

Where a is acceleration which is the rate of change of velocity of a moving body

Thus F = m (v1- v2)/t

Or, F X t = Ft = m (v1- v2)

Hence, F X t = Ft = Impulse

When we apply a force to a body for a small period of time, it creates an impulse known as impulse of the force. When a force is applied to a body, time passes and this time leads to creation of impulse. When a boy hits a tennis ball with his racket, the ball is in contact with the racket for some time thus generating an impulse. The racket hits the ball, it applies a force on the ball for a short time period thus giving an impulse to the ball.

So, when we take into account the duration for which a force is applied on a body, we get an important property called impulse of the force which is the product of force and the time for which it is being applied. Thus the effect of a force is not just the amount of the force but also dependent upon the duration for which it is being applied. Thus impulse is a result of a force being applied for time duration on a body.

Related Links:

1. Difference Between Momentum and Energy

2. Difference Between Momentum and Impulse

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pbXFn5yrnZ6YsqOx07CcnqZemLyue8OinZ%2Bdopq7pLGMm5ytr5Wau261zKmspauVYq6vsIyvqmaen6ewpns%3D