Simple change in momentum problem

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The discussion revolves around calculating the rate of change of momentum when a constant force of 4N acts on a 2kg mass for 2 seconds. The impulse produced by the force is calculated as 8Ns, leading to a derived rate of change of momentum of 4 kg m/s². However, the teacher argues that the correct answer should be 8, emphasizing that the rate of change of momentum is equivalent to the applied force. The confusion arises from misinterpreting the relationship between impulse, momentum, and force. Ultimately, the teacher's assertion is confirmed as correct when considering the definitions and units involved.
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Homework Statement



What is the rate of change of momentum when a constant 4N force acts on a mass of 2Kg for 2 seconds ?

Homework Equations



change in momentum = impulse produced (on the 2Kg mass) by the force
ie
f*t=δP

The Attempt at a Solution



i used the above equation to first find the impule
I,impulse= 4*2=8Ns
as I = δP
hence δP/δt = 8/2 = 4 Kg m s^-2

In simple terms as force = rate of change of momentum thus 4N shud be the answer...

but my teacher rejected the answer 4 but instead said that it would be 8
 
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The rate of change of momentum is written in Newton's second law such that:

F = (Δmv)/Δt

You have m, you have t and you have F.

However, the rate of change of momentum doesn't include a force in it's equation, just like momentum = mv, change in momentum = (Δmv)/Δt.

I also get 4kgm/s2 (or Newtons).
 
yeah, i think probably the teacher made a mistake, but i still need confirmation from other people as well ... so anyone else who could reconfirm this ?
 
TaxOnFear said:
The rate of change of momentum is written in Newton's second law such that:

F = (Δmv)/Δt

You have m, you have t and you have F.

However, the rate of change of momentum doesn't include a force in it's equation, just like momentum = mv, change in momentum = (Δmv)/Δt.

I also get 4kgm/s2 (or Newtons).

The time derivative of momentum is force (assuming we're talking about a linear system, and we're not talking relativistically). It can include force if a net force is causing it to change.

---

Impulse is the change in momentum of a system, and is equal to the force acting on it. You're getting confused with the problem. Once you solve for the impulse, you've found the object's momentum (assuming that P_0= 0). It looks like, to me, that after you found the impulse, you divided by the time interval. This would in turn give you the force that was exerted on the object. Your teacher would be correct if the question was asking for the final momentum on the system.

Another way to check is to look at the units of your answer.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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