The discussion centers on calculating the average magnitude of force exerted on a roof by a 40kg branch falling from a height of 5.5m over an impact duration of 0.4 seconds. The participant used the momentum formula P=mv to find the momentum (P) to be approximately 415 kg·m/s. Dividing this momentum by the impact time of 0.4 seconds yields an average force of 1037.5 Newtons, which is confirmed as correct by other participants in the discussion.
PREREQUISITESStudents in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of falling objects and impact forces.
That is correct !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?