4.2 Change in Momentum and Impulse

Changes of Momentum

Whenever a net external force acts on an object, that object’s momentum changes. This relationship is summarized by Newton’s Second Law expressed in terms of momentum:

Important Equation: ${F_{net} = \frac{dp}{dt}}$

${F_{net}}$ represents the net external force acting on the object

${\frac{dp}{dt}}$ is the time rate of change of momentum

If the net force is zero, the object’s momentum remains constant.