Collisions - did I solve correctly

  • Thread starter Thread starter haki
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Collisions
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the average force exerted by the ground on a falling rock using principles of momentum and impulse. The problem involves a rock of mass m falling from a height of 20 meters, taking 0.025 seconds to stop upon impact. The solution derived is F = 729 * m, where F represents the average force, calculated using the equation F = p/t, with momentum p determined from energy conservation principles. The reasoning and calculations presented are confirmed as correct by other participants in the discussion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with momentum and impulse concepts
  • Knowledge of energy conservation principles
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Newton's Second Law in collision scenarios
  • Learn about the impulse-momentum theorem in detail
  • Explore energy conservation in mechanical systems
  • Practice solving problems involving average force calculations
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in mechanics, particularly those focusing on collisions and force calculations.

haki
Messages
161
Reaction score
0
Hi,
I would like somebody to verify if I have correctly solved a problem.
The problem is this: Rock of mass m falls from height 20 m to the ground. What is the average force of the ground acting on the rock if it takes 0.025 s to bring the rock to full stop. Express the force in relation to the mass of the rock.
Keywords that came to my mind are: Collisions, momentum, impusle, mom.-impul. theorem.
The trick should be in expressing the 2nd Newton law with momentum.
F = m*a is equivalent to F = p/t.
To get the momentum p. I would use energy conservation. all the potential energy goes to the kinetic energy just before the collision:
m*g*h=1/2*m*v^2 -> v = sqrt(2*g*h) soo
F = p/t
p=v*m
v=sqrt(2*g*h)
Solution:F= sqrt(2*g*h)*m/t Putting the numbers in it would get us:
F = sqrt(2*9.8*20)*m/0.025 = 729 * m
Was my resoning correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yer, what you've done looks right
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
34
Views
3K
Replies
335
Views
17K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
3K