LINEAR MOMENTUM
Linear Momentum as a course in physics aims to help students understand how objects behave when they are in motion and how they interact with each other, especially in terms of force, mass, and velocity.
2. IMPULSE
1.2 Impulse
Impulse is usually associated with collision. When a body collides with another, each receives an impulse or blow. The impulse consists of a large varying force acting for a very short time.
Impulse is defined as the product of the average force acting on a particle and the time during which it acts.
If a force F acts for a short time t, impulse I is given by
I = F x t
The unit of impulse is Newton-second (Ns). Impulse is a vector. It has the same direction as the direction of the force.
a. A racket hitting a ball
b. A football player colliding with another player.
c. A car moving at a constant velocity
d. An object moving in a projectile motion
1.2.1 Examples
1. A stationary ball is hit by an average force of 50N for a time of 0. 03s.What is the impulse experienced by the ball?
2. A ball of mass 5.0kg hits a smooth vertical wall normally with a speed of 2ms-1 and rebounds with the same speed. Determine the impulse experienced by the ball.