How to Calculate Impact Force from a 1m Drop?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the impact force experienced by an object dropped from a height of 1 meter onto a rigid surface. The key takeaway is that while the force can be calculated using energy principles, the exact force in Newtons requires knowledge of the stopping distance and the spring constant of the object or surface. For example, when dropping an egg, the force experienced upon impact can be influenced by the cushioning material used to absorb the impact. Understanding these variables is crucial for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic physics concepts, specifically Newton's laws of motion
  • Understanding of energy conservation principles
  • Familiarity with impact force calculations
  • Knowledge of material properties, particularly spring constants
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the formula for calculating impact force using the equation F = m * a
  • Learn about energy conservation in free fall and impact scenarios
  • Explore different cushioning materials and their spring constants
  • Study real-world applications of impact force calculations in engineering
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineers, and product designers who are involved in impact analysis and material selection for cushioning applications.

leoflc
Messages
54
Reaction score
0
I've been trying to figure this out for a few days now and I hope someone can help me out...If an object is lifted 1m above the rigid ground and then it is dropped.
What would be to force experience (in Newton) by the object if:

- You don't know the exact distant or time for the object to come to a complete stop?
- You don't know the spring constant of the object or the ground.

I know we can calculate in terms of energy (J), but I would like to know in term of Newton.

For example, if I drop an egg 1m above the floor, how much force does it experience?
How can I figure out what kind of cushioning material I can use and how much of it?

It seems easy but I think I'm missing something...

Thank you!
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Why wouldn't you know the time and distance it takes to get to the ground? You said it was held 1 meter above the ground.
 
I mean the distance required for the object to stop.

Fixed my question statement.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad How to Calculate force exerted on a falling body?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Undergrad Momentum, impact force and Earth
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Calculating Force Applied to an Object of 100kg Moved 1m in 5s
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Undergrad Impact, momentum, demand and capacity
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Wanting to do some impact force experiments
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Undergrad G Force Calculation Optimisation with camera, equations & accelerometer (drop testing)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
High School How to determine applied force when two objects collide? (basic physics engine)
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Impact and Detonation Calculations
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad How to measure the impact force of a moving object
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Undergrad Modeling a (rotating) mass impact on a preloaded (rotational) spring
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K