Impulse
In classical mechanics, an impulse changes the momentum of an object. An impulse is calculated as the integral of force with respect to duration.
- <math>\mathbf{I} = \int \mathbf{F} dt <math>
Using the definition of force yields:
- <math>\mathbf{I} = \int \frac{d\mathbf{p}}{dt} dt <math>
- <math>\mathbf{I} = \int d\mathbf{p} <math>
- <math>\mathbf{I} = \Delta \mathbf{p} <math>
The SI unit of impulse is the same as for Momentum, and is kilogram metre per second (kg m /s )
See also specific impulse.
The term can also refer to any short-duration signal such as a nerve impulse, or a notional signal used to calculate impulse response, in the continuous case the Dirac delta function.
