Graphics interpretation of impulse

Data

The values of the forces over time are marked at the chart

Previous considerations

We know the impulse of a force coincides with the variation of its momentum  ( $$\overrightarrow{p}=m·\overrightarrow{v}$$ ). Because the three bodies are at rest, they have equal mass and the force is applied at identical conditions, the one with a higher impulse will have the bigger final momentum, thus the higher final speed.

Resolution

We know the area below each of the curves the forces represents coincide with the impulse numerically, so:

• The first force´s impulse coincide with the area under the blue line, which is a rectangle. Remember the area of a rectangle is calculated multiplying the lenght by the width:

  $$J_{F_1}=b·a=2·5=10 N·s$$

• The impulse of the second force coincide with the are below the green lines, forming a triangle. Remember the area of the triangle is calculated by multiplying tha base by the height and then divide by two:

  $$J_{F_2}=\frac{b·a}{2}=\frac{8·3}{2}=12 N·s$$

• The las force´s drive coincides with the area below the red line, forming a rectangle. In this case:

  $$J_{F_3}=b·a=10·1=10 N·s$$

So, the force number two is the responsible to produce a greater velocity over the body it acts. Watch how, despite being the first force bigger than the third one, the impulse they make while acting, therefore the final velocities the bodies gain, are the same.