Impulse Multiple choice question

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a multiple-choice question regarding impulse in a collision between two unequal masses. Participants are exploring the relationship between the impulses experienced by each mass during the collision.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the definitions of impulse and the forces involved in the collision. Questions are raised about the equality of the forces and the duration of their action on each mass.

Discussion Status

Some participants suggest that the forces and the time duration are the same for both masses, leading to the conclusion that the impulses are equal. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of this reasoning, as some attempts to clarify the implications of the question remain open.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a multiple-choice format, which may influence the depth of their exploration regarding the underlying physics principles.

newport
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


In a collision between two unequal masses, how does the impulse imparted to the smaller mass by the larger mass compare with the impulse imparted to the larger mass by the smaller one?

A) It is smaller.
B) The answer depends on how fast they are moving.
C) They are equal.
D) It is larger.

The Attempt at a Solution


B isn't right.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Impulse is the force multiplied by the time for which that force acts.
In this case, what can you say about the force of object 1 on 2 and object 2 on 1?
What can you say about the time for which these 2 forces act?

In conclusion, what can you say about the 2 impulses?
 
The force is the same and the time in the same; therefore, the impulse on each object is the same.
 
newport said:
The force is the same and the time in the same; therefore, the impulse on each object is the same.

Perfect :)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K