Recent content by Peppersrule

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    Undergrad Why Is a Pillow Safer Than a Rock If Both Fall at the Same Speed?

    The latter will have a higher acceleration and thus by Newton's 2nd law, a greater force. Thanks!
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    Undergrad Why Is a Pillow Safer Than a Rock If Both Fall at the Same Speed?

    The latter
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    Undergrad Why Is a Pillow Safer Than a Rock If Both Fall at the Same Speed?

    That kind of makes intuitive sense now that you mention it. I guess I had a slightly wrong idea of impulse. I'm starting to grasp it now... Longer compression time = "greater distance as it comes to rest", and hence the smaller magnitude of acceleration as it takes more time I think I'm on...
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    Undergrad Why Is a Pillow Safer Than a Rock If Both Fall at the Same Speed?

    The line I'm having trouble with is, "The pillow ... travels through a greater distance as it comes to rest"
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    Undergrad Why Is a Pillow Safer Than a Rock If Both Fall at the Same Speed?

    It would be greater for the rock than a pillow? Also! By Newton's 3rd law since my head would exert less force on the pillow, the pillow would also exert less force on my head, because of the smaller impulse. Is that valid?
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    Undergrad Why Is a Pillow Safer Than a Rock If Both Fall at the Same Speed?

    Hi I'm a first year Physics Undergrad and I never quite got satisfied with the answer to this question: "Why would you be rather hit with a pillow than a rock, if they reach the ground at the same time?" I know the obvious answer is because the pillow is soft. But how would you describe...