Impulse is the product of force and the time for which the force acts. Impulse = force × time, measured in newton seconds (N s).

How is impulse related to momentum?

Impulse equals the change in momentum of a body. A larger impulse produces a larger change in momentum.

How is impulse shown on a force–time graph?

Impulse is the area under a force–time graph. Area above the time axis is positive impulse, and area below is negative impulse.

What causes positive and negative impulse during a sprinting stride?

Negative impulse occurs as the foot lands and pushes forwards against the ground, braking the runner. Positive impulse occurs as the foot pushes backwards at take-off, driving the runner on.

Describe the force–time graph for a sprinter at the start of a race.

The positive area is much larger than the negative area. The net impulse is positive, so the sprinter accelerates.

Describe the force–time graph for a sprinter running at constant velocity mid-race.

The positive and negative areas are equal. The net impulse is zero, so momentum and velocity stay constant.

AQA A-Level Physical Education 7582

The Cardiovascular System

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Technology in Sport

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Linear and Angular Motion

Impulse and force–time graphs in sprinting

3 things to know
Paper 2

Overview

Impulse and momentum, force–time graphs for the start, middle and end of a sprint, worked impulse calculations, and safe landings and catches.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What is impulse, and how is it related to momentum?

Key term

How is impulse shown graphically, and what causes positive and negative impulse in a sprinting stride?

Key term

What is impulse?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is impulse?
Model answer
Impulse is the product of force and the time for which the force acts. Impulse = force × time, measured in newton seconds (N s).
2
How is impulse related to momentum?
Model answer
Impulse equals the change in momentum of a body. A larger impulse produces a larger change in momentum.
3
How is impulse shown on a force–time graph?
Model answer
Impulse is the area under a force–time graph. Area above the time axis is positive impulse, and area below is negative impulse.
4
What causes positive and negative impulse during a sprinting stride?
Model answer
Negative impulse occurs as the foot lands and pushes forwards against the ground, braking the runner. Positive impulse occurs as the foot pushes backwards at take-off, driving the runner on.
5
Describe the force–time graph for a sprinter at the start of a race.
Model answer
The positive area is much larger than the negative area. The net impulse is positive, so the sprinter accelerates.
6
Describe the force–time graph for a sprinter running at constant velocity mid-race.
Model answer
The positive and negative areas are equal. The net impulse is zero, so momentum and velocity stay constant.

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