How does impulse work?

Impulse is the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a period of time. It is mathematically defined as the product of the average force and the time duration during which the force acts. Impulse is crucial in understanding how forces affect motion, as it helps explain how a small force applied over a long time can produce the same change in momentum as a large force applied for a short time. In essence, impulse illustrates the relationship between force, time, and the resulting change in motion.