Dabour Hub EGEgyptian Curriculum 2026/2027
6 Impulse

6 Impulse

Point 6 of 10 — Lesson 1: Momentum, Newtons Three Laws of Motion, Impulse and EnergyQuestion bank: 4 questions (4 with pictures)

06 6 Impulse

Definition

  • Impulse of a constant force F⃗ acting for time t is the vector I⃗=F⃗ t
  • Its direction is that of the force.
  • Unit: newton·second (N·s), which equals kg}\cdot\text{m/s. In the CGS system it is dyne·s = g·cm/s.
  • Other units: kg.wt·s and g.wt·s.

Impulse and momentum

  • Using F=ma and v−v0=at: I=Ft=m(v−v0)
  • Impulse equals the change of momentum. For a variable force: I=∫0tF dt=m(v−v0).
  • On a force-time graph, the impulse is the area under the curve.

Impulsive force

  • An impulsive force is a very large force acting for a very short time, causing a large change in momentum without a change in position.
  • Equation: mv1+F t=mv2, with t extremely small (examples: a bat hitting a ball, a collision).
  • Falling onto the ground: the force on the ground is F+w. Rising into a ceiling: F−w. Hitting a vertical wall horizontally: F.
✍️ Worked examples

Example 16: A force of 25 kg.wt acts on an object for 110 s. Find the impulse in N·s.

Solution:

  • I=Ft=25×9.8×110=24.5 N·s.

📝 Question bank for this point

4 questions linked to this point only, 4 of them with pictures.