Answer to Question #73921 in Mechanics | Relativity for Jessi

Question

When an egg falls and lands on a carpet will the impulse be less, greater than or the same as the impulse it would have if it lands on a hard floor? Explain.
In which case (carpet or hard floor) is here a larger time of impact? Explain.
In which case (carpet or hard floor) is there a larger force? Explain.
In which case (carpet or hard floor) is there a larger change in momentum? Explain.

Answer 1

Solution:
In physics, the quantity Force • time is known as impulse. And since the quantity m•v is the momentum, the quantity m•Δv is the change in momentum. The equation says that the
Impulse = Change in momentum
F∙t=m∙∆v

(1) When an egg falls and lands on a carpet will the impulse be less, greater than or the same as the impulse it would have if it lands on a hard floor? Explain.

Answer:
∆v=const
The impulse would be the same for either surface because the same momentum change occurs for each.


(2) In which case (carpet or hard floor) is here a larger time of impact? Explain.

Answer:
On the carpet we have the greater amount of momentum transfer time.
The time in contact with the carpet is longer since the carpet “gives” when the egg hits it. Since carpet is make up of many fibers, they compressed under the weight of the egg.


(3) In which case (carpet or hard floor) is there a larger force? Explain.
Answer:
The impact force is much greater on the egg when it lands on the hard floor because the momentum transfer time has been reduced. This impact force is enough to cause the egg to break.


(4) In which case (carpet or hard floor) is there a larger change in momentum? Explain.
Answer:
Impulse = Change in momentum
The change of momentum would be the same for either surface because the impulse occurs for each.