Force exerted over a small time and big time frame

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the speed of impact and the force required to break objects, specifically focusing on scenarios involving fast versus slow application of force. Participants explore concepts related to impulse, peak contact force, and the mechanics of force application.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that hitting an object quickly requires less impulse to break it compared to applying force slowly.
  • Others argue that higher forces are involved when an object is struck quickly, suggesting that the peak contact force is greater in fast impacts.
  • A participant questions whether the force required to break the object remains constant regardless of the speed of impact.
  • Another participant clarifies that while the peak contact force may be higher, it does not necessarily mean that the force required to break the object is the same in both scenarios.
  • One participant notes that when a force is applied, the object moves and bends, indicating that the dynamics of force application change with speed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between impact speed and force required to break objects. There is no consensus on whether the force required to break an object is the same for fast and slow impacts.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss concepts such as impulse and peak contact force without resolving the underlying mechanics or assumptions about material properties and definitions of force.

Howlin
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Hi

Why is it that if you hit an object fast it requires less force to break it than if you hit the object slow and applied pressure to it?
 
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If you hit it fast, the forces are higher.
 
So you are saying if I hit a block of wood or glass really fast, it takes the same force to break it than if i use a force press and it slowly applies force to the block of wood or glass?
 
No, he said HIGHER.

However, it may take less impulse (force times time).
 
russ_watters said:
No, he said HIGHER.

However, it may take less impulse (force times time).

But why would it be higher, shouldn't it be just the same force required to break the boards or glass, no matter if it is hit fast or slow?
 
When you apply a force, the object moves - even when holding it rigidly, it bends. The faster you apply the force, the more of the force that is absorbed by the acceleration of the object.
 
Howlin said:
But why would it be higher, shouldn't it be just the same force required to break the boards or glass, no matter if it is hit fast or slow?
The peak contact force is higher not the force required to break .
 

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