Skip to main content
Ch 11: Impulse and Momentum
Knight Calc - Physics for Scientists and Engineers 5th Edition
Knight Calc5th EditionPhysics for Scientists and EngineersISBN: 9780137344796Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 11, Problem 6

FIGURE EX11.6 is an incomplete momentum bar chart for a collision that lasts 10 ms. What are the magnitude and direction of the average collision force exerted on the object?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Analyze the momentum bar chart. The initial momentum (P_ix) is represented by the shaded bar on the left, which corresponds to +6 kg·m/s. The final momentum (P_fx) is represented by the shaded bar on the right, which corresponds to -3 kg·m/s.
Step 2: Calculate the change in momentum (ΔP). The change in momentum is given by ΔP = P_fx - P_ix. Substitute the values: ΔP = (-3 kg·m/s) - (+6 kg·m/s).
Step 3: Use the impulse-momentum theorem to relate the change in momentum to the average collision force. The impulse-momentum theorem states that J_x = F_avg × Δt, where J_x is the impulse, F_avg is the average force, and Δt is the time duration of the collision.
Step 4: Substitute the value of ΔP for J_x, as impulse is equal to the change in momentum. Also, substitute the given time duration of the collision, Δt = 10 ms = 0.01 s, into the equation.
Step 5: Rearrange the equation to solve for F_avg. F_avg = ΔP / Δt. Substitute the values of ΔP and Δt to find the magnitude and direction of the average collision force.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
4m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Momentum

Momentum is a vector quantity defined as the product of an object's mass and its velocity. It is represented by the symbol 'p' and is crucial in understanding collisions, as it is conserved in isolated systems. The momentum before and after a collision can be analyzed to determine the effects of the collision on the objects involved.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:17
Intro to Momentum

Impulse

Impulse is defined as the change in momentum of an object when a force is applied over a period of time. It is calculated as the product of the average force and the time duration of the force application. In the context of collisions, impulse helps quantify the effect of the collision force on the momentum of the objects involved.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:00
Impulse & Impulse-Momentum Theorem

Average Force

Average force is the total impulse experienced by an object divided by the time duration over which the force acts. It provides a measure of how much force is exerted on an object during a collision. Understanding average force is essential for analyzing the dynamics of collisions and determining the resulting motion of the objects involved.
Recommended video:
Guided course
05:44
Solving Constant and Average Velocity Problems