impetus vs impulse

impetus and impulse both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
impetus	Yes	No	No	No
impulse	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, impetus and impulse are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of impetus include impulsion.

impetus (noun)	impulse (noun)
the act of applying force suddenly	the act of applying force suddenly
a force that moves something along	an impelling force or strength
	the electrical discharge that travels along a nerve fiber
	(electronics) a sharp transient wave in the normal electrical state (or a series of such transients)
	a sudden desire
	an instinctive motive