Why Crumple Zones Save Lives
📖 Why Crumple Zones Save Lives
Definition: Impulse is the change in momentum of an object, which equals force × time.
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🎯 Exam Focus — Impulse and Collisions
Frequently Examined
Impulse is examined on Edexcel 1PH0/1 (Paper 1, Higher tier — 1PH0/1H). Edexcel presents this topic through real-world safety scenarios ("A car travelling at 12 m/s is brought to rest in 0.8 s…") and asks students to apply F = Δp/t. Key question types:
- Calculate impulse — use F × t = Δp; show both the momentum change and the impulse value
- Calculate average force from impulse — rearrange to F = Δp/t, link to safety features
- Explain why safety features reduce injury — increasing time of impact reduces force for the same momentum change
- Elastic vs inelastic collision distinction — state which quantity is conserved in each
- Force-time graph questions — area under graph = impulse; interpret shape of graph
Edexcel style note: Edexcel frequently uses "Suggest" command word for novel safety scenarios — apply the same impulse principle even if the context is unfamiliar (helmet, airbag, crumple zone, catching a ball).
Now try it yourself
Quiz · Question 1 of 13
Which equation correctly defines impulse?
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This topic in real past papers
Every real exam question we've found on impulse & collisions, with a full worked answer.