A moderate force will break an egg

[21ducks]

Homework Statement

A moderate force will break an egg. However, an egg dropped on the road usually breaks, while one dropped on the grass usually does not break. This difference is because for the egg dropped on the grass:

A- The change in momentum is greater
B- The change in momentum is less
C- The time interval for stopping is greater
D- The time interval for stopping is less
E- The change in velocity is less

The Attempt at a Solution

I know that A is incorrect, and I don't think that C would be correct either since the velocity should remain the same. So I was thinking that it could be B or C but am unsure?

 

[astrorob]

How do you reckon falling on a "nest" of intertwined grass will change the time interval of impact?

 

[21ducks]

I just thought the grass might slow it down a bit? Am I wrong?

 

[Doc Al]

I just thought the grass might slow it down a bit? Am I wrong?

Not at all. Keep going. How is force related to momentum? Hint: Are you familiar with impulse?

 

[21ducks]

I am not too good at this, but in the book it says that:

The change in an object's momentum divided by the elapsed time equals the constant net force acting on the object.

I thought that the grass would slow down the egg, which would mean the interval for stopping is greater making the force less. That is only what I am thinking, not sure if I am correct.

 

[astrorob]

not make the force less, more the impulse.. but you're right.

 

[Doc Al]

I thought that the grass would slow down the egg, which would mean the interval for stopping is greater making the force less. That is only what I am thinking, not sure if I am correct.

You are exactly right. So which is the correct answer?