How Long Must Force F2 Act to Match the Impulse of Force F1?

[crono_]

Homework Statement

From Cutnell & Johnson PHYSICS 7th Edition Textbook - Ch 7 / Problem #1

One average force F₁ has a magnitude that is three times as large as that of another average force F₂. Both forces produce the same impulse. The average force F₁ acts for a time interval of 3.2 ms. For what time interval does the average force F₂ act?

Homework Equations

Note sure. I think...Impulse-Momentum Theorem

Ft = mv_f - mv_o

The Attempt at a Solution

No serious attempt made. I get tripped up in the wording of the problem. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[kuruman]

The impulse is the product F*t as you say. If the impulses for the two forces are the same, we can say this with an equation. Use this to say that Impulse 1 is the same as Impulse 2 with an equation.

 

[crono_]

Thanks for the explanation, though truthfully I'm still not getting it...

 

[kuruman]

Let's try this.

Impulse 1 = F₁t₁
Impulse 2 = F₂t₂

The problem says the impulses are equal. This means that

F₁t₁=F₂t₂

Can you finish from here? Don't forget to say with an equation that F₁ is three times F₂.

 

[crono_]

I'm inclined to write it as:

(3F₁t₁) = (F₂t₂)

Still thinking about the next step...

 

[kuruman]

You replaced F₁ with three times itself. Can F₁ be the same as 3F₁? What is F₁ the same as? Re-read the question.