Higher: force and rate of momentum change

Connect force to momentum change

For constant mass, combine F = ma with a = Δv ÷ Δt to obtain F = mΔv ÷ Δt = Δp ÷ Δt. F is the mean resultant force in newtons, Δp is final minus initial momentum in kg m/s, and Δt is time in seconds. Keep a positive direction throughout. A shorter time for the same momentum change requires a larger mean force.