Impulse

Impulse is a term used in both psychology and physics. In psychology, it refers to a sudden, involuntary urge to do something, often without forethought or consideration of the consequences. In physics, impulse is the integral of a force, F, over the time interval, Δt, and is denoted by J.

Psychological Impulse

In psychology, an impulse is a sudden, involuntary urge to perform an action. This can range from a simple physical action, such as jumping or blinking, to more complex behaviors, such as making a purchase or telling a lie. Impulses are often associated with impulse control disorders, which include conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Physical Impulse

In physics, impulse (J) is the integral of a force, F, over the time interval, Δt. It is a vector quantity and is equal to the change in momentum of an object when the object is subject to an external force for an interval of time. The SI unit of impulse is the newton second (N·s), and the dimensionally equivalent unit of momentum is the kilogram meter per second (kg·m/s).

Impulse in Everyday Life

Impulse can be seen in everyday life in both its psychological and physical forms. For example, the impulse to buy something without thinking it through can lead to regret later on. On the other hand, the physical impulse can be seen when playing sports, such as when a soccer player kicks a ball.

See Also

• Force
• Momentum
• Impulse Control Disorders
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

References

Impulse Resources
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