Force-Time Graph Area Gives Impulse
Incorrect Thinking
Students may interpret the area under a force-time graph as work done or energy transferred.
Why Students Think This
They know that area under some graphs has physical meaning, but may not connect the axes to the correct quantity.
Correction
The area under a force-time graph is impulse, equal to change in momentum. Work is associated with area under a force-displacement graph.
Links
- Related: dynamics
- Related: work energy and power