What is impulse defined as?

Impulse is defined as the change in momentum of an object resulting from a force applied over a specific time interval. Mathematically, impulse can be expressed as the product of the average force and the duration of time for which the force acts. This relationship is rooted in Newton’s second law, which states that force is equal to the rate of change of momentum. Therefore, when a force is applied to an object, it will cause a change in that object's momentum, which directly correlates to the concept of impulse.

By understanding impulse as the change in momentum, we recognize that it accounts for both the magnitude of the force applied and the time duration over which that force acts. This concept is fundamental in mechanics, particularly in analyzing collisions or any situations where forces are applied to change the state of motion of an object.