Impulse-Momentum Theorem

The impulse experienced by an object is related to the change in its momentum when a force is applied.  The impulse-momentum theorem states that the impulse, abbreviated as J, experienced by an object is equal to the change in its momentum, abbreviated as \({\Delta p}\).  This relationship can be expressed as  \({ J = \Delta p}\).  If a force ( \({F}\) ) is applied to an object for a certain duration ( \({\Delta t}\) ), the impulse experienced by the object is given by  \({ J = F \; \Delta t}\).

 

Impulse-Momentum Theorem formula This equation shows that applying a force to an object for a certain duration results in a change in its velocity, and consequently, a change in momentum.
\( F \cdot \Delta t \;=\;  m \cdot \Delta v \)     (Impulse-Momentum) \( F \;=\;  \dfrac{ m \cdot \Delta v }{ \Delta t }\) \( m \;=\; \dfrac{  F \cdot \Delta t }{ \Delta v }\) \( \Delta v \;=\; \dfrac{  F \cdot \Delta t }{ m }\) \( \Delta t \;=\;  \dfrac{ m \cdot \Delta v }{ F }\)
Symbol	English	Metric
\( F \) = Force	\(lbf\)	\(N\)
\( m \) = Mass	\(lbm\)	\(kg\)
\( \Delta v \) = Velocity Change	\(ft\;/\;sec\)	\(m\;/\;s\)
\( \Delta t \) = Time Change	\(sec\)	\(s\)