Question

Which of the following expressions are correct for impulse?

A. mv
B. F∆t
C. Fv
D. ∆p

Answer 1

impulse = F∆t

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

B. F∆t

D. ∆p

Step-by-step explanation:

Both formulas are correct. In fact, impulse is defined as the product between the force applied (F) and the time interval in which the force is applied (∆t

):

I = F∆t

So, option B. is correct. However, we see that this expression corresponds also to the change in momentum (option D)

in fact, we can rewrite the force as:

`I=(ma)\Delta t`

but the acceleration can be rewritten as ratio between change in velocity and change in time:

`I=m(\Delta v)/(\Delta t) \Delta t=m \Delta v = \Delta p`

which corresponds to the change in momentum.