Understanding the Concepts

* Impulse: The change in momentum of an object. It's a measure of the force applied over a specific time interval.

* Momentum: The product of an object's mass and velocity.

* Impulse-Momentum Theorem: The impulse acting on an object is equal to the change in its momentum.

Formula

Impulse (J) = Force (F) x Time (Δt)

Calculations

* Force (F) = 500 N

* Time (Δt) = 0.5 seconds

Impulse (J) = 500 N * 0.5 s = 250 Ns

Therefore, the magnitude of the impulse is 250 Ns.

Important Note: The mass of the car (2000 kg) is not directly used in this calculation. The impulse is determined by the force applied and the duration of the force.