Forces
Forces and Momentum
To explain how changing momentum involves a force and why increasing stopping time can reduce that force.

What you will learn

How force changes an object’s momentum

What impulse means

How force and contact time are related

How to calculate force from a momentum change

Why increasing impact time can reduce force
Explanation
Force is the rate of change of momentum: F = Δp/Δt. For the same momentum change, a longer stopping time reduces the average force. Airbags, crumple zones and landing mats increase stopping time; use vector signs to distinguish force direction from magnitude. Example: Explain why a crumple zone reduces average force for the same initial and final momentum. It lengthens the time over which the same momentum change occurs; F = Δp/Δt therefore decreases. Use clear labels. Identify cause and effect.
