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How to Calculate Magnitudes of Linear Impulse

The technical definition of linear impulse is the integral of a force with respect to time. This is equivalent to the magnitude of the change in momentum of an object over a period of time when a force is applied to the object. In symbols, I = m"v, where I is the impulse, m is the mass of the object and "v is the change in velocity over a period of time. This means that a small applied force produces the same impulse over a long period of time as a large force produces in a brief period of time.

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the mass m (in kilograms) of the object by dividing its weight w (in newtons) by the force of gravity: 9.8 meters per second. For example, if an object weighs 50 N, the mass of the objects is: m = 50 N / 9.8 m/s = 5.1 kg.
- 2
  Subtract the object's final velocity from its initial velocity during the time interval being measured. For example, say the initial velocity of an object is zero and the final velocity is 100 meters per second. The change in velocity "v of the object is (100 m/s - 0 m/s) = 100 m/s
- 3
  Multiply the mass of the object by the difference in velocities. The result is the magnitude of impulse during the specified time interval. For example, for an object with m = 5.1 kg and "v = 100 m/s, the impulse I = (5.1 kg)(100 m/s) = 510 kg-m/s.

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