Is it possible for an object to receive a larger impulse from a small force than from a large force? Explain.

Impulse is the multiplication of force and the time interval during which the force acts on an object.

Let\({F_1}\)be a smaller force acting on an object for\(\Delta {t_1}\)time duration and\({F_2}\)be the larger force acting on an object for\(\Delta {t_2}\)time duration, i.e.,\({F_2} > {F_1}\).

Therefore, from the definition of impulse, the impulse due to the first force is \({F_1}\Delta {t_1}\) and the impulse due to the second force is \({F_2}\Delta {t_2}\).

Now, let us consider that the impulse of the first force is greater than the second force. Then,

From the relation and consideration illustrated in the first step, it is evident that a smaller force acting for a longer time could impart a greater impulse on an object than a larger force acting over a shorter time.