Impulse: Calculate & State Direction of Change in Momentum

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In summary, the problem involves calculating the impulse and direction of change in momentum for a 4kg ball striking a stationary pin head-on with a speed of 3m/s and reducing to a speed of 2m/s. Using the equation p=mv, the initial momentum is 12 and the final momentum is 8, resulting in a change in momentum of -4. This indicates that the ball has delivered an impulse of 4 to the pin in the direction of its original motion, causing its own momentum to reduce in that direction.
  • #1
Quantum Fizzics
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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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  • #2
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.
 

1. What is impulse?

Impulse is the product of force and time, and is a measure of the change in momentum of an object.

2. How is impulse calculated?

Impulse is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the time over which the force is applied.

3. What is the unit of measurement for impulse?

The unit of measurement for impulse is newton-seconds (N*s) in the International System of Units (SI), or pound-seconds (lb*s) in the US Customary System.

4. How does impulse affect an object's momentum?

The greater the impulse applied to an object, the greater the change in its momentum. If the impulse is in the same direction as the momentum, the object's momentum increases. If the impulse is in the opposite direction, the object's momentum decreases.

5. How is the direction of change in momentum determined?

The direction of change in momentum is determined by the direction of the impulse applied to the object. If the impulse is in the same direction as the momentum, the change in momentum is in the same direction. If the impulse is in the opposite direction, the change in momentum is in the opposite direction.

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