Force Vs. Time Measurement

Impulse -- the relationship between force and time -- can be graphically represented.

In physics, an "impulse" refers to the relationship between force and time. An impulse measures of the amount of force imparted on an object during a specific period of time.

Force Measurement

Force, expressed in newtons, measures the energy imparted from one object to another when they collide, such as when a foot kicks a soccer ball or a bat hits a baseball. One newton represents the energy needed to accelerate a 1-kilogram mass at the rate of 1 meter per second every second (kg m/s/s). In a force minus time calculation, you graph force on the y-axis.

Time Measurement

In an impulse calculation, "time" means the amount of time, in seconds, that force was exerted on the object. In a force minus time calculation, you graph time on the x-axis.

Impulse Calculation

Multiplying the average net force by the number of seconds the force was exerted on the object determines the impulse. This equates to the change in the object's momentum. For example, the force of one newton, for one second, imparts an impulse of 1 kg m/s.

Impulse Graphs

You can calculate the impulse graphically. When you plot force on the Y-axis and time on the X-axis, the impulse is the area beneath the force minus time curve.

References

• Lectures on Physics: The Force - Time Graph
• SparkNotes: SAT Physics
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: How Many? A Dictionary of Units of Measurement