Simple Concept Question Regarding Impulse and Momentum

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding the concepts of impulse and momentum in relation to an egg breaking when tossed onto different surfaces. When an egg is thrown onto a pillow, it experiences a smaller maximum force due to the longer time over which the force is applied, resulting in less impulse compared to hitting a hard surface. The key point is that a smaller force applied over a longer duration can prevent the egg from breaking, while a larger force over a shorter duration can cause it to shatter. The participants clarify that impulse is defined as force multiplied by time, emphasizing that the distribution of force over time is crucial in determining the outcome. Ultimately, the egg's survival on the pillow is attributed to the reduced maximum force experienced during the impact.
etherealcalc
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It's simple to everyone but me haha
1. Homework Statement
We toss an egg onto the floor, and it breaks. We toss an egg onto a pillow on the floor, and it does not break. The egg that does not break experiences a smaller:
A. Impulse
B. Change in momentum
C. Maximum Force

Homework Equations


Ft=delta(p)

The Attempt at a Solution


A and B are the same answer, so if I were to just want to find the answer, it would be C by POE because they both can't be right. However, I thought impulse was the reason that the egg/pillow combo doesn't shatter the egg, because there's more time. Is it C because impulse implies that the egg had to bounce a bit up, and it doesn't do that, it just shatters?
 
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etherealcalc said:
A and B are the same
Right.
etherealcalc said:
Is it C because impulse implies that the egg had to bounce a bit up
No.
Impulse is force times time (as an integral). What is likely to break an egg, a small force for a long time or a large force for a short time? Which would you prefer to be subjected to?
 
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Perhaps think about the effect the pillow has on the stopping distance. Apply the equations of motion to think about the deceleration and Newtons law get the force.

Edit: c says maximum force.
 
haruspex said:
Right.

No.
Impulse is force times time (as an integral). What is likely to break an egg, a small force for a long time or a large force for a short time? Which would you prefer to be subjected to?
I would think either would break an egg, but couldn't a small force for a longer time possibly be a smaller impulse?
 
etherealcalc said:
I would think either would break an egg, but couldn't a small force for a longer time possibly be a smaller impulse?
Consider a given impulse spread over either a short time or a long time. If spread (evenly) over a long time then the peak force is small; if only taking a short time the force must be large.
For a small force, consider, say, the weight of a fly, about 10-4N. If a fly sits on an egg for a year, what is the impulse? Could it break the egg?
What about the same impulse spread over 1ms?
 
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