Force and Impulse physics problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving force and impulse, specifically focusing on a scenario where an unbalanced force acts on a 10 kg object, increasing from 0N to 50N over 4 seconds, and the goal is to determine the object's speed at the end of this time period.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various approaches to the problem, including the use of average force, integration, and the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. Some express uncertainty about the relevant equations and concepts, while others suggest using the average of the initial and final forces.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing different perspectives on how to approach the problem. Some have offered insights into the concept of integration and the implications of constant force increase, while others are seeking clarification on these concepts.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of provided equations, and some participants question the assumptions and definitions related to the problem setup.

Mandy89
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I attempted the qn .. but I'm not sure if this is the correct way of going about it..
the relevant equations used weren't given.

Homework Statement


Force and Impulse:

The magnitude of an unbalanced force on a 10 kg object increases at a constant rate from 0N to 50N in 4.0s, causing the initially stationary object to move.

What is the speed of the object at the end of the 4.0s?

Homework Equations


[not sure] ..
mv = Ft ??

The Attempt at a Solution


v = Ft / m = (50N)(4.0s) / (10kg) = 20m/s

Thanks for any help = ) very appreciated

- mandy : )
 
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This would involve integration...since the force is UNBALANCED.
Do you have any concept regarding it?
 
does it have something to do with

F = ma = m(dv/dt) ??

= S .. i honestly have no idea what to do with it
 
yupp and intergral from the given displacement.
if you want the concept reply for it.
 
yes could i please have the concept ..
thanks for your help : )
 
The simple way to do this problem is to recognize that if the force increases by a constant rate, you can simply use the average of the initial and final forces as the average force applied for the entire time. In your example, the average force would be 25 N applied for 4 seconds, giving you an impulse of 100 kg m/s

You can see why you can use 25 N as the average force if you actually do out the integration. What you have is

F = ma = m\frac{dv}{dt} \implies F dt = m dv \implies \int_{t_a}^{t_b} F dt = \int_{v_a}^{v_b} m dv = mv_b

because v_a = 0.

Now, what is the force F? Remember that it increases at a constant rate from 0 to 50 N in 4 seconds. Since it increases at a constant rate, F must be linear.
 
Last edited:
Tedjn said:
The simple way to do this problem is to recognize that if the force increases by a constant rate, you can simply use the average of the initial and final forces as the average force applied for the entire time. In your example, the average force would be 25 N applied for 4 seconds, giving you an impulse of 100 kg m/s

You can see why you can use 25 N as the average force if you actually do out the integration. What you have is

F = ma = m\frac{dv}{dt} \implies F dt = m dv \implies \int_{t_a}^{t_b} F dt = \int_{v_a}^{v_b} m dv = mv_b

because v_a = 0.

Now, what is the force F? Remember that it increases at a constant rate from 0 to 50 N in 4 seconds. Since it increases at a constant rate, F must be linear.

first of all let him have a concept of integration and differentiation.
 

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