What Formula Calculates the Force on a Mass by a Pole?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the average force exerted by a cylindrical pole on a mass that impacts it after falling from a height. The mass is specified as 220 kg, with a velocity of 10 m/s just before impact, and the pole is pushed 0.4 m into the ground upon impact. The gravitational acceleration is given as 9.8 m/s².

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between kinetic energy and work done, with one participant calculating the kinetic energy of the mass before impact. There is also a mention of the assumption of no friction between the pole and the mass.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing calculations related to kinetic energy and work done. There is a progression in reasoning as one participant arrives at a numerical answer for the force, though the discussion does not reach a consensus on the final interpretation of the results.

Contextual Notes

There is an acknowledgment of the simplicity of the problem, and participants express frustration with the calculations, indicating a possible struggle with the concepts involved. The problem is noted to be worth only 2 marks, which may influence the urgency of the discussion.

benhorris
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Heres a question for you, can't work out what formula to use so i need some help.

A mass of 220KG, hits a cylindrical pole into the ground. Just before it hits the velocity of the mass is 10ms-1.

The pole is pushed 0.4 m into the ground, when the mass is droped 5m onto the pole. G = 9.8ms-2.

Show that the average force exerted by the pole on the mass is 27kN.

I just can't work it out! i know its simple but if someone can explain it to me id much appreciate it as I've spent nearly 30 mins on this one question and its only worth 2 marks..

Thanks in advance.

Ben.
 
Last edited:
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Presumably there's no friction between the pole & the mass,so u'll have to assume that the force required will do work in pushing the pole.So the work done is equal to the KE transferred by the mass.

Daniel.
 
KE =0.5mv^2

hence 0.5x220x100 = 11000 J

? Now what - stuck on this Q and its very annoying...
 
Yes,but for a collinear force,the work is simply W=F*d...

Daniel.
 
Arnt i a numpty... hehe.

W=f*D
11000/0.4 =f

f =27500N

Duh, flippin ek. Always the simple ones that get me..
 
Thanks by the way. I am sure i have tested your intellectual capabilities to the utmost extreme levels. ...

;-)

Thanks once again.
 
Don't worry,i had the head-ache before looking over your problem...:-p It's just that now,i suddenly feel it more intensely...

Daniel.

P.S.OUCH!
 

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