Physics A-Level
Impulse and momentum change
What Impulse and momentum change means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Impulse and momentum change
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Impulse and momentum change in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Impulse equals the change in momentum, so the area under a force–time graph has units N s or kg m s⁻¹.
Topics that use Impulse and momentum change
- Newton’s laws of motion (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Action–reaction pairs
- Area under a graph
- Change in momentum and direction
- Force–time graphs
- Resultant force and motion
- Safety applications of impulse
- Sign conventions in one dimension
- Constant-mass reduction to F = ma
Using Impulse and momentum change in the exam
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