Identical forces act for the same length of time on two different masses. The change in momentum of the smaller mass is
A) smaller than the change in momentum of the larger mass, but not zero.
B) larger than the change in momentum of the larger mass.
C) zero.
D) equal to the change in momentum of the larger mass.
Umpulse is force*time which then that impulse is equal to the change in momentum. So if the impulses are the same, ...
D) equal to the change in momentum of the larger mass.
we can conclude that the changes in momentum of the two masses are also the same.
To understand why, let's break down the scenario:
When a force is applied to an object for a certain amount of time, it creates an impulse on the object. This impulse causes a change in the object's momentum.
Now, let's consider the definition of momentum:
Momentum = mass * velocity
Since the forces acting on the two masses are identical and they act for the same length of time, the impulse experienced by each mass is the same.
Using the formula for impulse:
Impulse = force * time
We can conclude that the forces acting on the two masses are the same.
Now, let's think about the relationship between force and acceleration:
Newton's second law states that force is equal to mass multiplied by acceleration:
Force = mass * acceleration
Since the forces acting on the two masses are the same, and the mass of the smaller mass is smaller than the larger mass, the acceleration experienced by the smaller mass will be larger than the larger mass.
Now, if we consider the formula for momentum again:
Momentum = mass * velocity
We can see that since the acceleration of the smaller mass is larger, its change in velocity will be greater than the larger mass.
Therefore, the change in momentum of the smaller mass is larger than the change in momentum of the larger mass.
Hence, the correct answer is:
B) Larger than the change in momentum of the larger mass.
the change in momentum of the smaller mass will also be the same as the change in momentum of the larger mass if the forces acting on both masses are identical.
Therefore, the correct answer is D) equal to the change in momentum of the larger mass.