The discussion revolves around understanding the concept of resultant impulse in the context of momentum and forces acting on stationary boulders. The original poster is trying to clarify the meaning of resultant impulse as indicated by their professor, particularly in relation to the equations of impulse and momentum.
Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the definitions and implications of resultant impulse. Some have provided insights into the nature of forces involved, while others are questioning assumptions about the scenario, such as the role of friction and the conditions under which the boulders remain stationary.
The problem lacks specific details about the forces acting on the boulders, such as whether friction is present or the direction of the applied forces. This uncertainty is influencing the discussion and the reasoning being explored.
Hmmmm... because the force applied by each girl isn't great enough to overcome the force of friction acting on each boulder? (I expect this to be incorrect since friction isn't mentioned in he question at all, it's just the first thing that come to mind!)haruspex said:
We are not told which way they are pushing, but suppose it is horizontal. Neither are we told whether the boulders are simply lying on flat ground, but suppose they are. If there is no opposing horizontal force then the boulders must move. What could the opposing force be?x2017 said: