In an introductory impulse-momentum context, the force of impact during a collision is best described as which quantity?

• A. The average force during the collision, given by $F_{\text{avg}}=\frac{\Delta p}{\Delta t}$
• B. The momentum at the moment of impact, given by $p=m$
• C. The impulse during the collision, given by $J=F$
• D. The kinetic energy at impact, given by $K=mv$

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that impulse-momentum theory relates the change in momentum of an object to the force applied over a time interval during a collision.
2. Recall the definition of impulse \(J\), which is the product of the average force \(F_{avg}\) and the time interval \(\Delta t\) during which the force acts: \(J = F_{avg} \times \Delta t\).
3. Recognize that impulse is also equal to the change in momentum \(\Delta p\) of the object: \(J = \Delta p\).
4. Combine these relationships to express the average force during the collision as \(F_{avg} = \frac{\Delta p}{\Delta t}\), which means the average force is the change in momentum divided by the collision time.
5. Note that the other quantities mentioned (momentum at impact, impulse without time factor, kinetic energy) do not directly describe the force of impact as clearly as the average force formula does.