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>

See also specific impulse.

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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.