Solving a Momentum Problem: Calculating Average Force and Impulse

[rachael]

11 A racing car of mass 2500 kg changes its velocity from
220 km h–1 due south to 200 km h–1 due north in 5.0 s
on a racing track.

c What is the average force applied?
d What is the impulse of this force?
e What is the change in the momentum of the car?

what does part c means?
how do we find the average force applied?

thank you

 

[nrqed]

11 A racing car of mass 2500 kg changes its velocity from
220 km h–1 due south to 200 km h–1 due north in 5.0 s
on a racing track.

c What is the average force applied?
d What is the impulse of this force?
e What is the change in the momentum of the car?

what does part c means?
how do we find the average force applied?

thank you

The average force applied is $F_{average} = {\Delta p \over \Delta t}$, that is, the change of momentum over the time interval over which the change of momentum took place (this is the average form of $F_x = { dp_x \over dt}$ for example).

Patrick

 

[kyle8921]

for your question. In order to solve this momentum problem, we first need to understand the concept of momentum. Momentum is defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. In this case, the racing car's momentum can be calculated using the formula p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity.

To find the average force applied, we need to use the formula F = Δp/Δt, where F is force, Δp is the change in momentum, and Δt is the change in time. In this problem, we are given the change in velocity (from 220 km/h to 200 km/h) and the change in time (5.0 s), so we can use these values to calculate the average force applied.

To find the impulse of this force, we use the formula J = FΔt, where J is impulse, F is force, and Δt is the change in time. Impulse is a measure of the change in momentum over a certain period of time. In this problem, we can use the value of force calculated in part c and the given change in time to calculate the impulse.

Finally, to find the change in momentum of the car, we use the formula Δp = mΔv, where Δp is the change in momentum, m is the mass of the car, and Δv is the change in velocity. This will give us the total change in momentum of the car from its initial velocity to its final velocity.

I hope this helps to clarify the concepts and formulas involved in solving this momentum problem.