In classical mechanics, impulse (symbolized by J or Imp) is the change in linear momentum of a body. It may be defined or calculated as the product of the average force multiplied by the time over which the force is exerted. Impulse is a vector quantity since it is the result of integrating force, a vector quantity, over time. The SI unit of impulse is the newton second (N·s) or, in base units, the kilogram meter per second (kg·m/s).

A resultant force causes acceleration and a change in the velocity of the body for as long as it acts. A resultant force applied over a longer time therefore produces a bigger change in linear momentum than the same force applied briefly: the change in momentum is equal to the product of the average force and duration. Conversely, a small force applied for a long time produces the same change in momentum—the same impulse—as a larger force applied briefly.