Impulse

A large force acting for a short time to produce a finite change in momentum is called an impulsive force.

Example: (I) Force exerted by a bat, while heating a ball.

(II) Blow of hammer on a nail.

Let we consider a constant force F which acts on a body for time ∆t. then the impulse is given by

I = F∆t

According to Newton’s second law

F = dp/dt or F.dt = dp

It in time 0 to t, the momentum of the body changes from P₁ to P₂, then

Thus, the impulse of a force is equal to the total change in momentum produced by a force.