IMPULSE MOMENTUM
-THEOREM
PRESENTED BY: GROUP 3
Our Group
Reis Alexa Questo
Angel Geralla
Cristy Luna
Manny Demavivas
Blaine Sumaylo
Introduction
The impulse-momentum theorem states that the impulse applied
to an object is equal to the change in its momentum. It shows that
the change in momentum of an object depends not only on the
amount of force applied but also on how long the force is applied.
It is a direct derivation of Newton’s Second Law (F=ma),
reimagined to show how forces act over time to change an
object's state of motion.
What is the impulse momentum
theorem used for?
The impulse-momentum theorem is used to describe
the relationship between change in momentum,
average net force, and time interval. It shows that
the change in momentum of an object depends not
only on the amount of force applied but also on how
long the force is applied. This is important in
analyzing what happens during collisions and high-
impact sports.
The Fundamental Equation
The theorem is expressed mathematically as: J=Δ p
Where:
J (Impulse) : The product of the average net force
(F) and the time interval (Δt) during which it acts
(J= F ×Δt).
Δp (Change in Momentum) : The difference between
the final and initial momentum (Δp = mvf - mvᵢ)
Core Principles
Vector Nature: Both impulse and
momentum are vector quantities, Inverse Relationship: For a
meaning they have both constant change in momentum,
magnitude and direction. The force and time are inversely
direction of the impulse is always proportional.
the same as the direction of the [Link] reduce the impact force, you
net force. must increase the time of contact.
Graphical Representation: On a [Link] the time of contact is shortened,
Force vs. Time graph, the impulse the impact force increases
is represented by the area under significantly.
the curve.
Real-World Applications
This theorem is the scientific basis
for many safety features and sports
techniques:
Vehicle Safety: Airbags and
crumple zones increase the time of a
collision, which reduces the
average force exerted on
passengers.
Real-World Applications
Sports:
Catching a ball: A
cricketer pulls their hands
back to extend the impact
time, reducing the sting
(force) on their palms.
Landing: Gymnasts use
soft mats and bend their
knees upon landing to
prolong the deceleration
and minimize joint stress.
Real-World Applications
Bungee Jumping: Elastic
cords stretch to spread
the change in momentum
over a longer period,
preventing the dangerous
"snap" of a rigid rope.
Example :
How does it work : Airbags
When a car stops abruptly in a crash, a passenger’s momentum must drop to zero (Δp). Since this change
in momentum is constant for a given speed, the theorem (F×Δt=Δp) shows that the force experienced
depends entirely on the time it takes to stop.
With an Airbag: The air-filled cushion
With an Airbag: The air-filled cushion
"gives" as the passenger hits it,
"gives" as the passenger hits it,
extending the duration of the stop
extending the duration of the stop
(larger \(\Delta
(larger t\)). Because
Δt). Because the the
timetime
is
is increased,
increased, the average
the average force
force exerted
exerted
on on the ispassenger
the passenger is
significantly
significantly
reduced, reduced,
preventing severepreventing
injury.
severe injury.
Without an Airbag: The passenger's
head hits a hard surface like the
steering wheel. The stop is nearly
instantaneous (very small Δt),
resulting in a massive, potentially
fatal impact force (F).
Problem solving:
1. Scenario: A Baseball Hit
A 0.145 kg baseball is thrown at a speed of 40 m/s toward a batter. The batter hits the ball straight back toward the
pitcher at a speed of 50 m/s. The contact time between the bat and the ball is 0.01 seconds. Calculate the average force
exerted by the bat on the ball.
Solution : Assign directions to your velocities. Let the direction toward the pitcher
be positive (+) and the direction toward the batter be negative (-).
Given:
Mass (m): 0.145 kg
Initial Velocity (vi): -40 m/s (approaching the batter)
Final Velocity (vf): +50 m/s (moving away from the batter)
Time (Δ t): 0.01 s
Formula : Δp=m(vf-vi)
Δp=0.145kg×(50m/s-(-40m/s)) F=Δp/Δt
Δp=0.145×(90m/s) F=13.05kg×m/s/0.01s
Δp=13.05kg×m/s F=1305 Newtons
Problem solving:
2. Scenario: Stopping a Speeding Car
A 1,200 kg car is traveling at 25 m/s when the driver slams on the brakes to avoid an obstacle. The car comes to a
complete stop in 3.5 seconds.
Solution :
Given:
Formula : Δp=m(vf-vi)
m=1,200 kg Δp=1,200kg×(0m/s-25m/s)) F=Δp/Δt
vi=25 m/s Δp=0.145×(-25m/s) F=-30, 000kg×m/s/3.5s
vf=0m/s Δp=-30, 000kg×m/s F=-8, 571. 4Newtons
Δ t=3.5s
Conclusion: The braking system must apply a force of approximately 8,571.4 N in the opposite
direction of motion to stop the car.
1. A 0.056 kg tennis ball is at rest before being struck by a racket. The racket applies an
average force of 600 N for a duration of 0.003 seconds.
2. A 0.018 kg bullet is propelled down a rifle barrel for 0.022 seconds, reaching a muzzle
velocity of 375 m/s.
3. A 5.0 kg bowling ball traveling at 8.0 m/s hits a stationary pin. The ball slows down to 7.2
m/s after the collision. If the pin exerts a force of 100 N on the ball, how long were they in
contact?
4. A 0.16 kg hockey puck is sliding at 20 m/s toward a goalie. The goalie catches the puck,
bringing it to a complete stop.
5. A 1,500 kg satellite in deep space needs to increase its orbital speed by 2.0 m/s. The
thrusters are fired for 10 seconds.
Thank You!