How to calculate the impact of forces that change over time
In short: When a force does not stay steady, you cannot simply multiply it by time to find the total effect. This video explains how to use calculus to determine impulse when forces shift during a specific interval.
The impulse-momentum theorem connects the total force applied to an object over a period to its resulting change in momentum. While a steady force is easy to calculate by multiplying force by time, a force that fluctuates requires integration. By integrating the force function over the relevant time interval, you can accurately determine the impulse delivered to the system.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Time-dependent forces | AP Physics | Khan Academy
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