What is the Difference Between Impulse and Impact?

The terms "impulse" and "impact" are often used in physics to describe different aspects of force and motion. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Impact: Impact is the sudden force felt by two bodies when they collide. It is the force applied over a very short period of time. Impact has the same unit as force. The study of impact is helpful in designing automobiles, as designers can minimize the effect of collisions by making the front of the car absorb the maximum impact of the kinetic energy.
• Impulse: Impulse is the force acting on an object over time, and it is what makes momentum change. Unlike impact, which is the force applied over a very short period of time, impulse is expressed in terms of units of momentum. It is the product of average force and the time it is exerted. Impulse is derived from Newton's second law and is found to be equal to the change in momentum of an object.

In summary, impact is the force applied during a sudden collision, while impulse is the force acting on an object over time, causing a change in momentum. Impact is expressed in units of force, whereas impulse is expressed in units of momentum.

Comparative Table: Impulse vs Impact

Here is a table summarizing the difference between impulse and impact:

In summary, impulse is the force applied to an object over a period of time, which results in a change in its momentum, while impact is the forceful contact between two objects, leading to a change in motion or physical damage.