Final answer:
Impulses generate impacts by changing an object's momentum, which is the product of mass and velocity. A greater impulse results from a force acting over a longer period, even if it's smaller in magnitude, leading to a larger momentum change. The effect of an impulse can be illustrated by how a glass is less likely to break when dropped on grass compared to cement, due to the longer impact duration on grass.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between impact and impulse is fundamental in physics, particularly while studying mechanics. An impulse is defined as a force acting over a certain time interval and is given by the product of the force and the time duration during which it acts (J = FΔt). This impulse will generate a change in momentum of an object, which is why it can be said that impulses generate impacts on objects. The impact referred to here is the resulting change in velocity or movement of the object.
As per the concept that a small force can produce a larger impulse than a large force, it depends on the duration of time the force is applied. A small force acting for a prolonged period can impart a greater impulse than a larger force acting briefly. This is important to consider especially when analysing collisions or movements over time. In the context of two objects with the same mass being acted upon by the same force but for different durations, the object that experiences the force for the longer time interval will acquire more momentum because it has received a greater impulse.
The effect of impulse is to change the momentum of an object, which can possibly lead to a change in kinetic energy if the mass remains constant. Considering the example of dropping a glass, the grass lawn provides a longer duration of impact, spreading the impulse over a longer time, reducing the force at any moment, and thus, less likely breaking the glass, as opposed to the cement floor where the impact time is short and the force is large, increasing the chance of breakage.