Impulse of different materials

In summary, according to the impulse-momentum theorem, the sand exerts a greater impulse on you than the water when jumping off a dock. However, the average force exerted by the sand is greater than that of water, which brings you to a halt in a shorter amount of time. This is consistent with the equation J = m(Vf-V0), where the velocity of the sand (vf) is greater than that of water (vfw) and results in a greater impulse. Therefore, option b) is the correct statement.
  • #1
Maxo
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Homework Statement


Suppose you are standing on the edge of a dock and jump straight down. If you land on sand your stopping time is much shorter than if you land on water. Using the impulse-momentum theorem as a guide, determine which one of the following statements is correct:

a) In bringing you to a halt, the sand exerts a greater impulse on you than does the water.

b) In bringing you to a halt, the sand and the water exert the same impulse on you, but the sand exerts a greater average force.

c) In bringing you to a halt, the sand and the water exert the same impulse on you, but the sand exerts a smaller average force.

Homework Equations


J = m*(Vf-V0)

The Attempt at a Solution


Let's say we have mass = 100 kg, v0 = -10 m/s and vfw = -2 m/s for water and vfs = 0 m/s for sand. Then the impulse in each case would be J = m(Vf-V0) = 100*(-2-(-10))=800 Ns for water and J = 100*(0-(-10))=1000 Ns for sand.

So this seems to give a greater impulse for sand. However my book says the answer is b). Is there something wrong with my calculation? Isn't J=m*(Vf-V0) the equation for impulse?
 
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  • #2
Maxo said:
In bringing you to a halt

Is the above consistent with

Maxo said:
vfw = -2 m/s for water
 

Related to Impulse of different materials

What is impulse?

Impulse is a measure of the change in momentum of an object. It is equal to the force applied to an object multiplied by the time it is applied.

How does the impulse of different materials affect their movement?

The impulse of a material affects its movement by determining how much its momentum will change in response to a force. Materials with a higher impulse will experience a greater change in momentum, resulting in a larger change in movement.

What factors can influence the impulse of a material?

The impulse of a material can be influenced by a variety of factors, including its mass, velocity, and the force applied to it. Additionally, the type of material and its physical properties, such as elasticity and density, can also affect its impulse.

How does the impulse of different materials relate to collisions?

In collisions, the impulse of a material determines the amount of force that is applied to another object. This can be seen in the principle of conservation of momentum, where the total impulse of all objects involved in a collision remains constant.

Can the impulse of a material be changed?

Yes, the impulse of a material can be changed by altering the force or time it is applied, or by changing its physical properties. For example, a more elastic material will experience a different impulse than a less elastic material when subjected to the same force and time interval.

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