Impulse

Section 1: Understanding Impulse

  • Recognise Impulse as the change in momentum of a particle.
  • Remember that it is equal to the product of the force and the duration the force acted on.
  • Be aware that it is a vector quantity due to the nature of momentum, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

Section 2: Impulse-Momentum Principle

  • Familiarise yourself with the Impulse-Momentum Principle, which states that the impulse experienced by an object is equal to the change in its momentum.
  • Understand that it can be written as Impulse = final momentum - initial momentum
  • Note that if forces are acting in the same direction, they add up and if they are acting in opposite directions, they subtract.

Section 3: Impulse and Conservation of Momentum

  • Understand the relationship between impulse and conservation of momentum.
  • Know that the total momentum before the impulse must be the same as the total momentum after the impulse.

Section 4: Calculating Impulse

  • Learn how to calculate impulse using the formula Impulse = Force x Time
  • Recognise that the unit for impulse is Newton-seconds (Ns), resulting from the multiplication of force (Newtons) and time (seconds).
  • Remember to consider the direction of force while calculating impulse.

Section 5: Application of the Impulse Concept

  • Understand how the principle of impulse is applied to explain why an object slows down or speeds up.
  • Learn to apply impulse in the calculation and understanding of collision problems where it helps explain the differences in velocities before and after the crash.
  • Master the use of the impulse concept to understand and calculate rebounding scenarios such as a bouncing ball where direction changes.

Section 6: Problem-Solving

  • Practice regular problem-solving to understand the application of impulse in solving Further Mechanics problems.
  • Understand the use of vector quantities while solving problems related to impulse.
  • Practice the transformation of forces involving impulse from one system to another.
  • The more you test and apply your knowledge of impulses, the better you will become at solving problems involving them.