Impulse and momentum transfer
Time-integrated net force changes momentum.
Key knowledge
For a constant-mass Newtonian particle in an inertial frame, linear momentum is p=mv and net-force impulse over an interval is J=∫F_netdt=p_f−p_i. For a fixed many-particle system, the external impulse changes total momentum when internal force pairs cancel. A large collision force over a short time is governed by the impulse, not force magnitude alone.
Values and equations
p=mv; J=∫_(t_i)^(t_f)F_net(t)dt=Δp
- p,J,Δp
- Momentum, net impulse and momentum change kg m s⁻¹
- m
- Constant mass kg
- v
- Vector velocity m s⁻¹
- F_net
- Vector net force N
- t_i,t_f,t
- Interval endpoints and time s
Conditions and scope
- The particle/system and time interval must be fixed and all applicable external forces included.
- Neglecting external impulse in a collision is an approximation to justify; an individual colliding object’s momentum is not generally conserved.
Sources · 2
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Samuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny and William Moebs — OpenStax, Rice University, University Physics (2016)2 sources
- University Physics Volume 1, §9.1: linear momentumSamuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny and William Moebs — OpenStax, Rice University, University Physics (2016)Textbook chapter
- University Physics Volume 1, §9.2: impulse and collisionsSamuel J. Ling, Jeff Sanny and William Moebs — OpenStax, Rice University, University Physics (2016)Textbook chapter
Evidence and review
Read §9.1 linear-momentum definition and §9.2 impulse definition9.3 and impulse–momentum theorem9.6. Many-particle clause reuses the already scoped conservation record.
2026-10-10 · /root/audit_life_earth_chemistry — independent Chemistry/Life/Earth editor. Independent AI editorial review of this entry's statements, equations, applicability conditions and source coverage. Source checks apply to these claims within their stated limits.
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- foundation-physics-impulse-momentum
- Revision
- foundations-refresh.1
- Structured reference record
- Foundational reference additions