Forces that act for a limited period of time are referred to as

Question

Forces that act for a limited period of time are referred to as

1. A. Impulsive forces (Correct answer)
2. B. Interval force
3. C. Short force
4. D. Interrupting force

Correct Answer

Option A — Impulsive forces

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Impulsive forces.

Key Points

• Impulsive forces (also called impulsive forces or shock forces) are forces that act for a very short, limited duration — such as a bat hitting a ball or a hammer strike.

Additional Information

• An impulsive force acts for a very short interval but is large enough to change momentum appreciably — a bat striking a ball, or a collision.
• Impulse is force × time, and equals the change in momentum: J = FΔt = Δp. That is why a small force over a long time can match a large force over a short one.
• This is the principle behind airbags and padded gloves: they lengthen Δt, so the same momentum change needs a smaller force.
• Contrast with constant forces such as gravity, which act continuously, and contact forces such as friction and tension.