Impulse (physics)

In classical mechanics, impulse (symbolized by $J$ or Imp) is the change in momentum of an object. If the initial momentum of an object is $p_{1}$, and a subsequent momentum is $p_{2}$, the object has received an impulse $J$:

$$\mathbf{J}=\mathbf{p}_2 - \mathbf{p}_1.$$

Momentum is a vector quantity, so impulse is also a vector quantity.

Newton’s second law of motion states that the rate of change of momentum of an object is equal to the resultant force $F$ acting on the object: $$\mathbf{F}=\frac{\mathbf{p}_2 - \mathbf{p}_1}{\Delta t},$$

so the impulse $J$ delivered by a steady force $F$ acting for time Δt is: $$\mathbf{J}=\mathbf{F} \Delta t.$$

The impulse delivered by a varying force is the integral of the force $F$ with respect to time: $$\mathbf{J}= \int\mathbf{F} \, \mathrm{d}t.$$

The SI unit of impulse is the newton second (N⋅s), and the dimensionally equivalent unit of momentum is the kilogram metre per second (kg⋅m/s). The corresponding English engineering unit is the pound-second (lbf⋅s), and in the British Gravitational System, the unit is the slug-foot per second (slug⋅ft/s).

Mathematical derivation in the case of an object of constant mass
Impulse $J$ produced from time $t_{1}$ to $t_{2}$ is defined to be

where $F$ is the resultant force applied from $t_{1}$ to $t_{2}$.

From Newton's second law, force is related to momentum $p$ by $$\mathbf{F} = \frac{\mathrm{d}\mathbf{p}}{\mathrm{d}t}.$$

Therefore,

where $Δp$ is the change in linear momentum from time $t_{1}$ to $t_{2}$. This is often called the impulse-momentum theorem (analogous to the work-energy theorem).

As a result, an impulse may also be regarded as the change in momentum of an object to which a resultant force is applied. The impulse may be expressed in a simpler form when the mass is constant:

where
 * $F$ is the resultant force applied,
 * $t_{1}$ and $t_{2}$ are times when the impulse begins and ends, respectively,
 * $m$ is the mass of the object,
 * $v_{2}$ is the final velocity of the object at the end of the time interval, and
 * $v_{1}$ is the initial velocity of the object when the time interval begins.

Impulse has the same units and dimensions (MLT&minus;1) as momentum. In the International System of Units, these are kg⋅m/s = N⋅s. In English engineering units, they are slug⋅ft/s = lbf⋅s.

The term "impulse" is also used to refer to a fast-acting force or impact. This type of impulse is often idealized so that the change in momentum produced by the force happens with no change in time. This sort of change is a step change, and is not physically possible. However, this is a useful model for computing the effects of ideal collisions (such as in videogame physics engines). Additionally, in rocketry, the term "total impulse" is commonly used and is considered synonymous with the term "impulse".

Variable mass
The application of Newton's second law for variable mass allows impulse and momentum to be used as analysis tools for jet- or rocket-propelled vehicles. In the case of rockets, the impulse imparted can be normalized by unit of propellant expended, to create a performance parameter, specific impulse. This fact can be used to derive the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation, which relates the vehicle's propulsive change in velocity to the engine's specific impulse (or nozzle exhaust velocity) and the vehicle's propellant-mass ratio.