impact force

Impact force is the force generated when objects collide or when a moving object strikes a surface.

Unlike gradual forces, impact force acts over a very brief duration, producing high peak loads: The impact force of the crash crumpled the hood.

Engineers design helmets, airbags, and packaging to absorb and distribute impact force, extending the collision time to reduce peak intensity.

In physics, impact force relates to momentum change divided by collision duration—the shorter the impact, the greater the force.