Using Impulse-Momentum to Find Time of Falling Object

In summary, impulse-momentum is used to find the time of a falling object by using the equation FΔt = mΔv, where F is the force applied to the object, Δt is the change in time, m is the mass of the object, and Δv is the change in velocity. Impulse is the product of force and time, and is a measure of the change in momentum of an object. The mass of a falling object does not affect the time it takes to fall, but it does affect the force of gravity acting on the object. Impulse-momentum can be used for any type of falling object as long as the force is constant and the acceleration due to gravity is known. The accuracy of
  • #1
jheld
81
0

Homework Statement


Use the impulse-momentum theorem to find how long a falling object takes to increase its speed from 5.50 to 9.00 .


Homework Equations


deltaP = impulse
P = momentum (m*v)
impulse = J (integral from ti to tf)

The Attempt at a Solution


3.5 seconds, though, I knew before that it was incorrect.
 
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  • #2


well, I got it, now :)
vf = vi + at
-9 = -5.5 -9.8t
solve for t = .357 seconds
 
  • #3


As a scientist, it is important to approach problems like these with careful consideration and accuracy. While your attempt at solving the problem is appreciated, it is important to note that the impulse-momentum theorem is not the appropriate equation to use in this scenario. The impulse-momentum theorem is used to calculate the change in momentum of an object, not the time it takes for an object to change its speed.

To accurately find the time it takes for an object to increase its speed, we would need to use the equation for average acceleration (a = (vf - vi)/t) and the equation for final velocity (vf = vi + at). By plugging in the given values of initial velocity (vi = 5.50 m/s) and final velocity (vf = 9.00 m/s), we can solve for the acceleration (a = 1.50 m/s^2). Then, by plugging in the acceleration and initial velocity into the equation for final velocity, we can solve for the time it takes for the object to reach its final velocity (t = 2.33 seconds).

In conclusion, as a scientist, it is important to use the appropriate equations and carefully consider all variables in order to accurately solve problems.
 

1. How is impulse-momentum used to find the time of a falling object?

Impulse-momentum is used to find the time of a falling object by using the equation FΔt = mΔv, where F is the force applied to the object, Δt is the change in time, m is the mass of the object, and Δv is the change in velocity. By rearranging this equation to solve for time, we can use the values of force, mass, and change in velocity to calculate the time it takes for the object to fall.

2. What is impulse?

Impulse is the product of force and time, and is a measure of the change in momentum of an object. It can be calculated using the equation FΔt = mΔv, where F is the force applied to the object, Δt is the change in time, m is the mass of the object, and Δv is the change in velocity.

3. How does mass affect the time of a falling object?

The mass of a falling object does not affect the time it takes to fall. This is because the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2) is constant for all objects, regardless of their mass. However, mass does affect the force of gravity acting on an object, which in turn affects the object's momentum and impulse.

4. Can impulse-momentum be used for any type of falling object?

Yes, impulse-momentum can be used to find the time of any type of falling object, as long as the force acting on the object is constant and the acceleration due to gravity is known. This can be applied to objects falling in a vacuum or through a medium such as air, as long as the force of air resistance is negligible.

5. How accurate is using impulse-momentum to find the time of a falling object?

The accuracy of using impulse-momentum to find the time of a falling object depends on the accuracy of the measurements used in the calculations. If the force, mass, and change in velocity are measured accurately, the result will be fairly accurate. However, factors such as air resistance and variations in the acceleration due to gravity can affect the accuracy of the calculated time.

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