How Does Time Influence Velocity in Different Scenarios?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the influence of time on velocity in different scenarios, specifically comparing the impact of contact time during collisions, such as an egg falling onto a metal surface versus a cushion, and the follow-through technique used by a tennis player. The conversation explores concepts of linear momentum, impulse, and force in relation to time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the egg's collision with a metal surface results in a greater force due to a shorter contact time, while a cushion allows for a longer contact time, reducing the force experienced by the egg.
  • Another participant suggests that the tennis player's follow-through increases the time of contact with the ball, which in turn increases the impulse and thus the velocity of the ball.
  • A participant questions why linear momentum and impulse are equal in both scenarios, seeking clarification on the definitions of impulse and momentum change.
  • It is proposed that the linear momentum of the egg before collision is the same in both cases, leading to a discussion about the conservation of linear momentum and its implications for force and time.
  • Some participants argue that the change in linear momentum is not constant in the second case, suggesting that this affects the relationship between time and force.
  • There is a distinction made between the fixed conditions of the egg's fall under gravity and the variable conditions of the tennis racket scenario, indicating different aspects of the problem being examined.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between impulse, momentum, force, and time. There is no consensus on the explanations provided, and multiple competing interpretations remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of definitions related to impulse and momentum, indicating that assumptions about these concepts may influence their arguments. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of how time affects force and velocity in different contexts.

Misr
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If an egg falls from a height to a metal surface it surely smashes but if it falls from the same height onto a cushion it doesn't smash although the linear momentum and consequently the impulse is the same since the terminal velocity of the egg is zero in both cases.
The reason for this is the contact time when the egg hits the metal surface is so short and then the force is great sufficient to break the egg.

although the linear momentum and consequently the impulse is the same since the terminal velocity of the egg is zero in both cases.
Why??

1- A tennis player is aware that he must appky a follow through to elongate the time interval in which the ball is in contact with the racket.This increase the impulse and hence the velocity is increased to cover a larger distance.
Why does the time affect velocity in this case not force (as in first case)?

Thanks
 
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The first example is acceleration or total force. If the egg accelerates faster, as it does when it stops quickly on the metal plate, the force is greater.

The tennis player example is Force over time. If the tennis player put a stronger force they could get the same velocity with a shorter contact time.
 
Last edited:
I dun think this really helped
I asked why does the linear momentum / impulse equal in both cases ?
and

Why does the time affect velocity in this case not force (as in first case)?
I know that force is inversly proportional to time
So do u have a better explanation?
Thanks
 
Misr said:
I asked why does the linear momentum / impulse equal in both cases ?

I would say by definition. How is impulse defined? What is momentum change in both cases?
 
In the case of metallic plate
The linear momentum of the egg before collision is mV1
The linear momentum of the egg after collision is zero (since the terminal velocity is zero)

In case of cushion:
The linear momentum of the egg before collision is mV2
The linear momentum of the egg after collision is zero (since the terminal velocity is zero)

and according to the law of conservation of linear momentum :
mV1 = mV2
and force is inversely proportional to time when the change of linear momentum is constant

but in the second case the change in linear momentum is not constant so time doesn't affect force

right or wrong?
 
Momentum of the egg before collision is in both cases identical - mV, so no need for V1 & V2.

You have dodged my question about impulse definition and it is crucial for the answer.
 
Misr said:
Why does the time affect velocity in this case not force (as in first case)?
In the first case, the egg case (two cases, really), the velocity is provided by a fall under gravity, so it is equal...it is essentially a starting condition of the problem, and not something to be investigated in the problem.

In the tennis racket case, the velocity is variable because its the entire thing being investigated in the two cases.

Basically, the two examples are examining opposite sides of the same coin: The first example examines how force can be altered by increasing the contact time and the second example examines how impulse can be altered by increasing contact time.
 

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