Linear Impulse & Momentum - Distinguishing Impulsive & Non-Impulsive Forces

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the principle of linear impulse and momentum, specifically focusing on how to distinguish between impulsive and non-impulsive forces in various scenarios. Participants explore the conditions under which momentum is conserved and the implications of different forces acting on a system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to determine if a force should be considered impulsive or non-impulsive, noting that the normal force is sometimes treated as impulsive in problems.
  • Another participant argues that friction is not an impulsive force since it acts over a finite distance and time, thus affecting momentum.
  • A different participant states that momentum is conserved only when there are no external forces acting on the system, suggesting that the integral of forces gives the change in momentum regardless of the type of force.
  • Some participants express confusion about applying conservation of momentum in scenarios where external forces are present, particularly in collision problems involving weights and normal forces.
  • It is noted that conservation of momentum can still apply in certain directions, as momentum is a vector quantity, leading to the conclusion that horizontal momentum may be conserved even when vertical forces are present.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the treatment of external forces and the conditions for momentum conservation, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of applying the impulse-momentum principle, particularly in distinguishing between impulsive and non-impulsive forces, and the role of external forces in momentum conservation. There are indications of missing assumptions and varying interpretations of force classifications.

tj00343
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when applying the principle of linear impulse and momentum , how do I know if the force should be considered impulsive or non-impulsive , how should I know if I should consider it in the equation , I already know that an impulsive force is a force that is applied for a very short time ,but in some problems forces such as the normal force were considered impulsive ,for example , there is one containing a crate where the only forces applied are the weight ,normal force ,and friction and still momentum was not conserved , for example , the princip. of impulse and momentum is m(v1) + ∑ ∫ (F)dt =m(v2)
when do I consider the integral to be 0 and momentum conserved
Thank You
 
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hi tj00343! :smile:
tj00343 said:
for example , there is one containing a crate where the only forces applied are the weight ,normal force ,and friction and still momentum was not conserved , for example , the princip. of impulse and momentum is m(v1) + ∑ ∫ (F)dt =m(v2)
when do I consider the integral to be 0 and momentum conserved

i don't understand :redface:

friction isn't for a very-short time …

obviously friction over a finite distance (and time) will change the momentum :confused:

can you give a more specific example?​
 


And Momentum is conserved only when there are no external forces acting on the system.
∫Fdt gives the change in momentum for both impulsive and non-impulsive forces,so what is the problem?
 


I thought that momentum is conserved when there are no external forces on the system or the forces acting are non-impulsive forces ...I'm confused because in problems my professor solved , in some problems there was external forces acting on the system ,but they were not considered ,if for example 2 balls collide , their weights and normal forces are external to the system yet we apply conservation of momentum to find their velocities ...
 
tj00343 said:
I'm confused because in problems my professor solved , in some problems there was external forces acting on the system ,but they were not considered ,if for example 2 balls collide , their weights and normal forces are external to the system yet we apply conservation of momentum to find their velocities ...

ah, but momentum is a vector,

so conservation of momentum is a vector equation

(and so is Newton's second law)

so it works in each direction separately …

in your professor's examples, the weights and normal forces are vertical,

so there is no horizontal external force or impulse,

so horizontal momentum is conserved :smile:
 


ahhhhh thank youuu tiny tim...and pabloenigma
 

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