Answer to Question #176737 in Physics for Nicole

Question

Questions 9 and 10 refer to two collision events where two different objects with equal mass are thrown toward a wall with the same initial speed v0. In Collision A, the rubber ball rebounds with no loss of speed. In Collision B, the lump of clay smacks into the wall and comes to rest.

9. In which collision is there a greater impulse exerted by the wall on the object?

(A) Collision A     (B) Collision B   (C) The two are the same (D) Unable to determine

10. Assume that the time duration of each collision is equal. During which collision is there a larger average force exerted by the wall?

(A) Collision A     (B) Collision B   (C) The two are the same (D) Unable to determine

Answer 1

9. In collision A there is a greater impulse exerted by the wall on the object because the time of impact is much shorter for A than for B.

10. Assuming that the time duration of each collision is equal, during collision A there is a larger average force exerted by the wall because the change in momentum is greater for the ball that rebounded.