Question

How do you use impulse-momentum theorem?

Answer 1

1. The impulse-momentum theorem states that the impulse applied to an object is equal to the change in its momentum.
2. It proves that the change in momentum of an object depends not only on the amount of force applied but also on the duration of force applied.
3. Mostly, the change in momentum remains constant, only the magnitude of the force and the time interval can be varied.
4. The impulse can be calculated by multiplying the average net force $F_{avg}$ with the duration of the collision $\Delta \overrightarrow{t}$.

(Alternatively, the impulse is equal to the area underneath the force vs. time curve for the collision).

Mathematically, $F\times \Delta \overrightarrow{t}=m\left(v_f\right)-m\left(v_i\right)$

This implies $F\times \Delta \overrightarrow{t}=\Delta p$, then

$F=\frac{\Delta p}{\Delta \overrightarrow{t}}$.

Thus, the impose-momentum theorem can be used to determine the change in the momentum of the body under the action of force for some time.