Momentum & Impulse

p = mv and FΔt = Δp

An interactive lesson with 8 steps, about 7 minutes: you predict, drag and solve, with instant feedback on every answer. It runs in your browser and needs JavaScript.

What you’ll learn

• Momentum $p = mv$ has a direction.
• Impulse $F\Delta t = \Delta p$: a longer stopping time means a smaller force.
• Bouncing involves a bigger change in momentum than stopping.

Steps

1. Harder to stop
2. Momentum
3. Compute
4. Impulse
5. Airbags
6. Catch
7. Saving an egg
8. Bounce vs. stop