Impulse – What is it, How it Affects Motion, and Possible Applications

What is Impulse?
Impulse is the action of a force applied over a period of time that yields a significant change in momentum. It is the integral of a force F with respect to the duration of the action t, mathematically represented as J = ∫ Ft, where J is the impulse. In essence, it is the amount of force applied over a certain amount of time. Impulse is measured in Newton-seconds (N·s).

How it Affects Motion
Impulse is directly related to momentum, and changes in motion due to a force. Momentum is the product of an object’s mass and its velocity. If a force applied to an object is constant, then the object’s momentum will increase as long as the force persists, as per Newton’s second law. If a force is applied to an object over a certain amount of time, the amount of force will translate into an impulse, and momentum can be truly changed. An object of a certain mass subjected to a large enough impulse, no matter how short the duration, will result in a substantial change in momentum.

Possible Applications
Impulse has many practical uses. Many types of watercraft (jet-skis, speedboats, etc.) are propelled by a large impulse applied to them by an electrical or gas-powered motor. Impulse also plays a big part in the design of airbags, which are used to protect people during accidents. When an airbag deploys, a large impulse is applied to the occupant in the opposite direction of the force created from the crash, providing cushioning and protection. Impulse is also used when shooting projectiles, with the impulse applied being equal to the projectile’s mass times its velocity.

All in all, impulse is a fundamental part of how objects are propelled in their respective motions. It is a useful tool in understanding how an object’s momentum can be altered, and is an important concept when it comes to clinical and engineering applications.