Checking a question involving impact/impulse forces

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In summary, the problem involves finding the minimum vertical height from which a 0.5 kg ceramic pot will break upon impact with the floor. The pot will break if the impact force is equal to or greater than 20 N and the collision lasts for 0.05 s. By using the equations for impulse, kinetic energy, potential energy, and momentum, it is determined that the minimum height is 0.2 m.
  • #1
emilypearson
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Homework Statement


A ceramic pot of mass 0.5 kg will break if it strikes the floor with an impact force equal
to, or greater than, 20 N. The collision lasts for 0.05 s. Find the minimum vertical height
from which, if dropped from rest, the pot will break upon impact with the floor (you
may ignore air resistance).

Homework Equations


Impulse=FΔt=Pfinal-Pinital
Fd=ΔKinetic energy
PE=mgh
KE=1/2mv2

The Attempt at a Solution


At a height h, the object has KE=0 and PE=mgh=0.5gh
At impact, the object has KE=1/2mv2=0.25v2 and PE=0
FΔt=Pf-Pi
However Pi=0 as the velocity is 0.
equation 1: 20*0.05=Pf=mv=0.5v
to find v:
1/2mv2=mgh
rearrange to give v=√2gh
back into equation 1:
1=0.52*2gh
h=1/0.52*2*9.81
h=0.2m

Is this correct? That doesn't seem big enough in order for the pot to break (thinking in real world terms)
 
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  • #2
You need to use the fact that force = change in momentum per second.
They give you the force so you need to get momentum information
Do you know how?
 
  • #3
That's what I attempted to do with the Pf-Pi with P being momentum (mv) ... is that not the right equation?
 
  • #4
You are correct and if you look at your equation 1 you see that v = 2 m/s ?
So 2 = √2gh.
 
  • #5
Perfect - thanks :)
 

1. What is the difference between impact and impulse forces?

Impact force refers to the force that is applied to an object when it collides with another object, while impulse force refers to the change in momentum caused by the impact. In simpler terms, impact force is the initial force of the collision, while impulse force is the total force over time.

2. How do you calculate the impact force?

The formula for calculating impact force is F = m x Δv / Δt, where F is the impact force, m is the mass of the object, Δv is the change in velocity, and Δt is the time of impact.

3. How does the duration of impact affect the force?

The longer the duration of impact, the smaller the impact force will be. This is because a longer duration allows for the force to be spread out over a longer period of time, resulting in a smaller impact force. A shorter duration of impact will result in a larger impact force.

4. What factors can affect the magnitude of an impact force?

The magnitude of an impact force can be affected by several factors, including the mass and velocity of the objects involved in the collision, the rigidity of the objects, and the duration of the impact. Other factors such as friction and air resistance can also play a role in determining the impact force.

5. How can we minimize the impact force in a collision?

There are several ways to minimize the impact force in a collision. One way is to increase the duration of the impact, which spreads out the force over a longer period of time. Another way is to reduce the mass and velocity of the objects involved in the collision. Additionally, using materials that can absorb or dissipate the force, such as airbags or padding, can also help minimize the impact force.

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