Average magnitude of force during a 0.4 second impact

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To calculate the average force exerted on a roof by a 40kg branch falling from a height of 5.5m over an impact time of 0.4 seconds, the momentum approach is used. The momentum (P) is calculated as approximately 415 kg·m/s. Dividing this momentum by the impact time yields an average force of 1037.5 N. The initial concern about using F=ma is addressed, as it is not applicable in free fall scenarios. The final calculation is confirmed to be correct.
Crushgear64
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Homework Statement



A 40kg branch falls 5.5m and lands on a roof. The roof withstood the the impact.

Homework Equations



If the impact time was 0.4 second calculate the magnitude of the average force exerted on the roof during the impact.

The Attempt at a Solution



F=ma doesn't seem right because it's in free fall though.
P=mv ≈ 415
415/0.4=1037.5N?

Is this right?
 
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Crushgear64 said:

Homework Statement



A 40kg branch falls 5.5m and lands on a roof. The roof withstood the the impact.

Homework Equations



If the impact time was 0.4 second calculate the magnitude of the average force exerted on the roof during the impact.

The Attempt at a Solution



F=ma doesn't seem right because it's in free fall though.
P=mv ≈ 415
415/0.4=1037.5N?

Is this right?
That is correct !
 
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