A 125g snowball is traveling with a speed of 22m/s when it hits the fence. If the snowball is completely stopped by the fence and does not rebound, what is the impulse of the force of the fence on the snowball?
The impulse of a force can be calculated using the formula:
Impulse = Force × Time
To find the impulse of the force of the fence on the snowball, we need to know the force applied by the fence and the time over which the force is applied.
In this scenario, the snowball is completely stopped by the fence, which means the time of impact is very short. We can assume it is instantaneous. Therefore, the time can be considered negligible.
Since the snowball is completely stopped, the change in momentum of the snowball is equal to its initial momentum. Momentum can be calculated using the formula:
Momentum = mass × velocity
Given that the mass of the snowball is 125 grams (0.125 kg) and its initial velocity is 22 m/s, we can calculate the initial momentum:
Initial Momentum = 0.125 kg × 22 m/s
Now, the change in momentum is equal to the initial momentum since the snowball comes to a complete stop. Therefore, we have:
Change in Momentum = Initial Momentum
Impulse = Force × Time
Impulse = Change in Momentum
Therefore, the impulse of the force of the fence on the snowball is equal to its initial momentum.
Calculating the initial momentum:
Initial Momentum = 0.125 kg × 22 m/s
Initial Momentum = 2.75 kg·m/s
So, the impulse of the force of the fence on the snowball is 2.75 kg·m/s.