Question 4: Define impulse and state how it related to linear momentum?

Answer

Impulse

In many instances, the momentum of a body changes very suddenly. The forces involved in such situations are extremely large and short-lived. This is quite difficult to measure the instantaneous changes in the force applied. However, it is convenient to deal with the product of force and time in such situations.

Impulse is the phenomena in which a large force acts for a very short time.
Mathematically,

Impulse and change in linear momentum

According to Newton’s Second Law of motion,
F = ma
But acceleration is rate of change of velocity.

So put in the above equation,

As mv = P, therefore,

Let Δp = p_f – p_i , then substituting and rearranging,

This means      Impulse = Change in linear momentum