Impulse: Calculate & State Direction of Change in Momentum

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating impulse, defined as the change in momentum, using a specific example involving a 4kg ball striking a stationary pin. The initial momentum (p1) is calculated as 12 kg·m/s when the ball is traveling at 3 m/s, and the final momentum (p2) is 8 kg·m/s after the ball slows to 2 m/s. The change in momentum (Δp) is determined to be -4 kg·m/s, indicating that the impulse delivered to the pin is 4 kg·m/s in the direction of the ball's motion, resulting in a reduction of the ball's momentum.

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Homework Statement


Calculate the impulse(change in momentum) in each of the following situations.
Also, state the direction of the change in momentum.
A 4kg ball strikes a stationary pin head-on at a speed of 3m/s. It continues to move in its original direction, but its speed is reduced to 2m/s.

Homework Equations


p=mv

The Attempt at a Solution


I have a test the next day & we might have some questions on impulse but the thing is that our teacher never really spent time on it for some odd reason. But yeah, just in case he might troll us & put some impulse questions I might as well do some. So all I got so far is:
p1=mv1
p1=3x4
p1=12
==========================
p2=mv2
p2=4x2
p2=8
==============================
(delta)p=p2-p1
=8-12
(delta)p=4
===================
not sure what to do next after..
 
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You calculated Δp = -4
It needs units.

You could say it has delivered an impulse of 4 ... to the pin in the direction of motion of the ball, so its own momentum has reduced by that amount in the direction of its original motion.
 

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