06 6 Impulse
Definition
- Impulse of a constant force acting for time is the vector
- 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 and :
- Impulse equals the change of momentum. For a variable force: .
- 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: , with extremely small (examples: a bat hitting a ball, a collision).
- Falling onto the ground: the force on the ground is . Rising into a ceiling: . Hitting a vertical wall horizontally: .
✍️ Worked examples
Example 16: A force of kg.wt acts on an object for s. Find the impulse in N·s.
Solution:
- N·s.
Example 17: A force newtons acts on a body. Find the impulse in the first s.
Solution:
- .
- N·s.
Example 18: A force of N acts on a kg body at rest on a smooth plane for s. Find the impulse and the final velocity.
Solution:
- N·s.
- , so and m/s.
Example 19: A rubber ball of mass kg falls m and rebounds to m. The contact lasts s. Find the impulse and the impulsive force.
Solution:
- Falling: m/s. Rebound: m/s.
- N·s.
- N.
Example 20:
- A g ball hits a wall at m/s and rebounds at km/h for s of contact.
- Find the impulse and the pressure of the ball on the wall.
Solution:
- km/h m/s. Take the rebound direction as positive: , .
- N·s.
- N, which is the pressure of the ball on the wall.