Question

distinguish between FNet = ∆p/∆t and F - ma​

Answer 1

Explanation:

NEWTON'S SECOND LAW: the net force on an object, F = mass x acceleration. 

However, acceleration is a change in velocity ( "Delta V" ) in a time interval ( "Delta t" ). Hence, we may rewrite Newton's Second Law as 

F = m x Delta V / Delta t. 

But linear momentum, or momentum (for short) = mass x velocity. 

So Delta P = m x Delta V and F = Delta P / Delta t is also an expression of Newton's Second Law.

IMPULSE: An impulse is the result of a force acting over a time interval. Since an impulse is usually something that takes place over a short time interval, we can say Impulse = F x Delta t. From the above expression of Newton's Second Law, Impulse = Delta P, so it also has the units of momentum. To see how the concept of impulse applies, let's consider several examples.