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The Impulse-Momentum Theorem states that the net impulse acting on an object is equal to the object's change in linear momentum.

$\vec{J} = \Delta \vec{p}$

Using the definition of impulse we can express this theorem in terms of average force, time, and change in momentum:

$\Delta \vec{p} =\vec{J} =\vec{F}_\text{avg} \cdot \Delta t$

The interactions are vector quantities. The impulse vector accounts exactly for the difference between the final and initial momentum vectors. Notice the change in momentum is in the same direction as force.

... continued in the full lesson.

The Impulse-Momentum Theorem

Lesson Preview

$\vec{J} = \Delta \vec{p}$

$\Delta \vec{p} =\vec{J} =\vec{F}_\text{avg} \cdot \Delta t$

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The Impulse-Momentum Theorem

Lesson Preview

J⃗=Δp⃗\vec{J} = \Delta \vec{p}J=Δp​

Δp⃗=J⃗=F⃗avg⋅Δt\Delta \vec{p} =\vec{J} =\vec{F}_\text{avg} \cdot \Delta tΔp​=J=Favg​⋅Δt

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$\vec{J} = \Delta \vec{p}$

$\Delta \vec{p} =\vec{J} =\vec{F}_\text{avg} \cdot \Delta t$