Impulse is specifically defined in physics as the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a certain time period. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is b) the change in momentum.
Let’s break this down:
- Momentum is defined as the product of the mass of an object and its velocity (p = mv). While impulse is related to momentum, it is not accurate to say impulse is equal to momentum itself.
- The change in momentum refers to the difference between the final momentum and the initial momentum of an object. Impulse is indeed equal to this change in momentum, which supports choice b as the correct answer.
- Force multiplied by distance reflects a different concept known as work. While impulse involves force, the direct multiplication of force by distance does not define impulse.
In summary, option b is correct because impulse is fundamentally linked to the change in momentum. The other options either represent related concepts or are simply incorrect.