Impulse Lab

The purpose of this lab was to identify the relationship between impulse, force and time during a collision. Beginning the lab, we defined what impulse actually was. We came to the conclusion that impulse is a change of momentum or the conservation of momentum in a collision. 

Important Info and Lab Summary: To find the relationship between impulse, force and time, we conducted an experiment using a red car, a metal track, range finders on either side of the track and metal bands attached to the cars and the end of the track. The metal bands were used to slow down the collision time. Sending the analysis from the range finders to the computers, we were able to see the entire journey of the car - before, during and after the collision. We pushed the red car towards the left of the track ( - sign ) and it immediately bounced back, it was an elastic collision. We then used the graph on the computer to extract the mean and integral of the red car. 

Key Data: 
- Impulse = momentum final - momentum initial (Pf-Pi)
- Impulse equation: J=F (force) X T (time)
- Impulse is a constant on an object in a collision
- Impulse = area of force vs. times graph
- Force and time are inversely proportional

Real World Connection: A bullet proof vest is something that is critical for all policemen and women to wear. The vest has the ability to protect the person from a severe bullet wound and slow down the momentum of the bullet from projecting further at the time of collision. The vest creates an impulse which allows the bullet to take more time before reaching the Cop, decreasing the force or impact they would feel.