Calculating Force and Time with Impulse: When and How?

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In summary, calculating force and time with impulse involves using the formula F x t = m x Δv, where F is force, t is time, m is mass, and Δv is change in velocity. This formula can be applied in various scenarios, such as determining the force exerted by an object when colliding with another object, or calculating the time needed to reach a certain velocity. Impulse can also be used to analyze the impact of forces on objects, such as in sports or automotive collisions. The key to correctly utilizing impulse is understanding the relationship between force, time, and change in velocity, and applying the appropriate formula in each situation.
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mahela007
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In what kind of instances would the quantity of impulse be used? My textbook says that it's when very large forces act for very short times but how would that help us calculate the force OR the time?
 
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  • #2
It is precisely when we cannot or do not need to calculate the force or the time for which it acts that we use the concept of impulse. The impulse is the integral of the force with respect to time and can be proved to be equal to the change in momentum. Here are some good sites for preliminary reading:

http://id.mind.net/~zona/mstm/physics/mechanics/momentum/introductoryProblems/momentumSummary2.html
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/momentum/u4l1b.html
 
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  • #3
A classical example is in the analysis of collisions.
 
  • #4
When I was in school, I was "into" model rocketry for a while. Solid-fuel model rocket engines were rated in terms of the total impulse they produced, between ignition and burnout. The actual thrust (force) exerted varied widely during the burn period, but the burn period was short enough that you could use the total impuse to calculate good estimates of launch speed, maximum height of trajectory, etc.
 
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Thanks
 

FAQ: Calculating Force and Time with Impulse: When and How?

When would impulse be used in physics?

Impulse is commonly used in physics when studying the motion of objects. It is used to describe the change in momentum of an object over a certain period of time.

How is impulse related to force?

Impulse is directly related to force and time. It can be calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the time it is applied. This relationship is described by the equation: impulse = force * time.

Can impulse be used to measure the strength of a collision?

Yes, impulse can be used to measure the strength of a collision. The greater the impulse, the greater the change in momentum and the stronger the collision.

In what situations is impulse conserved?

Impulse is conserved in situations where there is no external force acting on an object. This is known as the law of conservation of linear momentum.

How is impulse used in sports?

In sports, impulse is used to measure the force and speed of an object, such as a ball, when it is hit or thrown. It is also used to analyze and improve the technique and performance of athletes.

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