Learn How to Solve Impulse Problems with Step-by-Step Examples

  • Thread starter Thread starter crimsonfears
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Impulse
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving impulse problems using the impulse-momentum theorem, specifically the equations impulse = FΔt and FΔt = mΔv. The first problem involves a collision between two bumper cars, where the final velocity of the second car is calculated to be 8.82 m/s after correcting initial momentum calculations. The second problem addresses the recoil of a diver when a spear is shot, while the third problem examines the velocity of a boat after two individuals jump off. Each problem illustrates the application of conservation of momentum principles in real-world scenarios.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of impulse-momentum theorem
  • Basic knowledge of momentum conservation
  • Familiarity with mass and velocity calculations
  • Ability to set up and solve algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study detailed examples of impulse-momentum problems
  • Learn about elastic and inelastic collisions
  • Explore the concept of conservation of momentum in two dimensions
  • Practice solving problems involving recoil and impulse
USEFUL FOR

Students learning physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding impulse and momentum in practical applications.

crimsonfears
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Okay, I was absent the day we did impulse at school, so now I'm confused as to how to do some of it. I just need to know how to set up the problems, I know that impulse=F\Deltat and that F\Deltat=m\Deltav...but I don't know where to go after that.

The first problem:
Two children, totaling 200 kg, are traveling at 10 m/sec in a 100-kg bumper car during an amusement park ride. They deliberately collide with an empty second car, mass 100 kg, which is at rest. Afterwards, the car with the two children moves off at a speed of 4.0 m/sec. What is the final velocity of the empty car?

The Second problem:
James, a 65-kg skin diver, shoots a 2.0-kg spear with a speed of 15 m/sec at a fish which is darting past him. How fast does James recoil when the spear is initially released?

The Third problem:
On a hot summer day, Jack and Leon are fishing in their boat, when they decide to jump into the water to cool off. Jack, 45-kg, jumps off the front of the boat with a speed of 2 m/sec. While at the exact same moment, Leon, 90-kg, jumps out of the back of the boat at a speed of 4 m/sec. If the boat has a mass of 100 kg and was at rest prior to the two boys jumping off, what will be its velocity just after both boys have abandoned ship?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
to the find final velocity of empty cart...
in the equation...let P the momentum
P(initial)=P(final)
MV1+ MV2 = MV1 + MV2
300kg(10m/s)+0=300kg(4.0m/s)+100kgV2
3000kg*m/s-4800kg*m/s=100kgV2
20400kg*m/s=100kgV2
----------------------(divided by 100kg)
100kg
V2=204m/s(final velocity of the empty cart)
 
opps...
sorry
i was wrong for multiplying of 300kg(10m/s)=3000kg*m/s not 30000kg*m/s
and multiplying 300kg*m/s(4.0m/s)=1200kg*m/s not 4800kg*m/s
V2=8.82m/s
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K