Impulse Multiple choice question

[newport]

Homework Statement

In a collision between two unequal masses, how does the impulse imparted to the smaller mass by the larger mass compare with the impulse imparted to the larger mass by the smaller one?

A) It is smaller.
B) The answer depends on how fast they are moving.
C) They are equal.
D) It is larger.

The Attempt at a Solution

B isn't right.

 

[Stonebridge]

Impulse is the force multiplied by the time for which that force acts.
In this case, what can you say about the force of object 1 on 2 and object 2 on 1?
What can you say about the time for which these 2 forces act?

In conclusion, what can you say about the 2 impulses?

 

[newport]

The force is the same and the time in the same; therefore, the impulse on each object is the same.

 

[Stonebridge]

The force is the same and the time in the same; therefore, the impulse on each object is the same.

Perfect :)

 

[asteriatic]

It doesn't depend on how fast they are moving.

The correct answer is C) They are equal. This is because according to Newton's third law of motion, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In a collision between two unequal masses, the impulse imparted to the smaller mass by the larger mass will be equal and opposite to the impulse imparted to the larger mass by the smaller one. This is because the forces acting on each mass are equal and opposite, resulting in equal and opposite impulses.