5.2 Transfers of Momentum

Forces play a key role in changing or transferring momentum, and they do this through a concept called impulse. Impulse connects force and momentum directly, helping us understand how applying a force over time changes an object’s motion. Impulses cause an object’s momentum to change. Impulse is a vector, measured in kilograms - meters per second, and represented with either the variable ${J}$ or ${p}$. The direction of the impulse vector on an object is in the same direction as the net force exerted on the object.

p represents the change in momentum of an object due to the impulse Favg is the average force exerted on an object t is the time interval over which the force was exerted over