What is the measure of the change of momentum over time called?

The measure of the change of momentum over time is referred to as impulse. Impulse quantifies the effect of a force acting over a certain time interval and is mathematically expressed as the product of the average force applied and the duration of time the force acts. This relationship can be captured by the impulse-momentum theorem, which states that impulse is equal to the change in momentum of an object.

Impulse plays a crucial role in analyzing situations where forces are applied over time, such as during collisions or when stopping a moving object. By understanding impulse, one can analyze how changing the magnitude of the force or the duration of its application affects the overall change in momentum.

The other concepts listed—work, energy, and force—are related but distinct. Work deals with energy transfer through the application of force over a distance, energy represents the capacity to perform work, and force refers to the interaction that changes the motion of an object. In contrast, impulse specifically connects change in momentum to the time over which a force acts.