Impulse is the change in momentum of an object; it's the average force upon the object at any given time (multiplied by the time). You calculate impulse by subtracting the object's final momentum (m*v) from its original momentum (m*vo). Finding the impulse is important because it helps you understand the relative times and and velocities for the motion you're exploring.
With regards to the science of physics, there are two types of collisions - elastic and inelastic. An elastic collision is one where all momentum and kinetic energy (motion energy) are conserved. The value that it begins with is the same as the value it ends with. In an inelastic collision, the objects stick together and become one. They then share an equal velocity based off the transfer of the original velocity in relation to their difference (if any) in mass.
Your video is really good! I was just wondering though, does an object have to be at rest when the other object collides with it (in an inelastic reaction) for it to stick and be classified as inelastic?
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