Physics Grade 12 Q's: Impulse & Momentum

In summary, when a meteoroid collides with the moon, the impact creates thermal energy that melts the surface material at the site due to the extreme surface to surface energy transfer. This is explained by the law of conservation of momentum, as the falling rock gains momentum and increases in speed. The smaller force of the rock's initial impulse results in a larger final impulse, allowing for the conservation of momentum.
  • #1
andrei.suba
2
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Homework Statement


1. When a meteoroid collides with the moon, surface material at the impact site melts. Explain Why?

2. A falling rock gains momentum as its speed increases. Does this observation contradict the law of conservation of momentum? Explain your answer.

The Attempt at a Solution



1. An object receiving an impulse from a smaller force has a final impulse larger then an object receiving an impulse from a larger force.
F=m((v-v')/t)

2. Because of the extreme surface to surface energy transfer, thermal energy is created melting the surface at the impact site.
 
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  • #2
How about re-phrasing the answer to 2 in terms of the rock and its momentum, making clear where your smaller and larger forces come into the picture?
 
  • #3
This is due to the fact that when the meteoroid collides with the moon, it exerts a large force over a short period of time, resulting in a large change in momentum. This change in momentum causes a large amount of energy to be transferred, which is converted into thermal energy, melting the surface material.

2. No, this observation does not contradict the law of conservation of momentum. The law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of a system remains constant unless acted upon by an external force. In this case, the falling rock is gaining momentum due to the force of gravity, which is an external force acting on the system. Therefore, the law of conservation of momentum still holds true as the total momentum of the system (rock and Earth) is still conserved.
 

1. What is impulse in physics?

Impulse is a measure of the change in momentum of an object. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied to an object by the time it is applied for.

2. How is impulse related to momentum?

Impulse and momentum are directly proportional to each other. This means that as impulse increases, momentum also increases. This relationship is described by the equation J = ∆p, where J is impulse and ∆p is the change in momentum.

3. What is the principle of conservation of momentum?

The principle of conservation of momentum states that in a closed system, the total momentum before an event is equal to the total momentum after the event. This means that momentum is conserved and cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between objects.

4. How does impulse affect the motion of an object?

Impulse causes a change in an object's momentum, which results in a change in its motion. If an object experiences a large impulse, it will have a large change in momentum and therefore will have a greater change in motion.

5. Can you give an example of impulse and momentum in action?

One example of impulse and momentum in action is a car crash. The force applied by one car to another during a collision results in an impulse, which causes a change in momentum. The total momentum of the cars before and after the crash must be equal, demonstrating the principle of conservation of momentum.

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