How much force did a dropped can of beer exert on my foot from 3.5 feet?

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SUMMARY

A 500ml unopened can of beer dropped from a height of 3.5 feet exerts a force on impact that is influenced by the speed at which it hits the foot and the stopping time, which is determined by the resiliency of the foot. The weight of the can remains constant regardless of the drop height. To calculate the impact speed, one can use the conservation of energy formula: mgh = (1/2)mv². Understanding these principles can help in assessing the severity of the injury sustained.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of physics concepts such as force and energy.
  • Familiarity with the conservation of energy principle.
  • Knowledge of how to apply the formula mgh = (1/2)mv².
  • Awareness of the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the conservation of energy in physics.
  • Learn how to calculate impact force using mass and acceleration.
  • Explore the concept of impulse and its relation to force and stopping time.
  • Investigate the effects of impact injuries and how to assess them.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for individuals interested in physics, particularly those studying mechanics, as well as anyone seeking to understand the implications of impact forces on the human body.

zipee
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OK so my thread got deleted cos moderator thought it was homework! So can any of you guys help??

I dropped a 500ml unopened can of beer on my foot yesterday from a height of about 3.5feet. Does anyone know what weight it would have been? Apart from a sore bruised foot I also have pain on and off in lower leg and will go to doctor if it persists but would have like to know what weight it was.

It was fierce sore and I almost vomitted with pain at the time. Walking on it ok but certain movements really turn my tummy.

Thanks in advance and it is not homework but distress so please be patient with me and reply. I have no physics background at all.
 
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oops! Effort to solve my problem.....

Beer can times height dropped = severe pain.

?
 
Your question is not clear. The weight of the can is a constant and has nothing to do with from how high it was dropped or how fast it was going. You could, using "conservation" of energy with mgh= (1/2)mv^2, calculate the speed with which it hits your foot. But the force your foot applies to the can- the force it feels the can applying to it, depends upon how long the can takes to stop. And that depends on the resiliency of your foot.
 

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