Math Problem Statement
Multiple Choice Question
Which of the following situations has the greatest momentum?
A.
a car that accelerates from rest to 3.0 m/s
B.
a baseball hit with a net force of 10.0 N for 3.0 s
C.
a rocket that crashes back to Earth with a force of 50.0 N for 0.3 m/s
D.
a boxer that hits a punching bag with a net force of 30.0 N for 0.5 s
Solution
To determine which situation has the greatest momentum, we must calculate the momentum for each scenario. Recall the formula for momentum, , where is momentum, is mass, and is velocity. Additionally, the impulse-momentum theorem relates force, time, and momentum, such that:
Let's analyze each option:
Option A: A car accelerates from rest to 3.0 m/s
- No mass is given, so momentum can't be calculated directly.
- However, assuming a constant mass , the final momentum is proportional to .
Option B: A baseball hit with a net force of 10.0 N for 3.0 s
Using impulse:
Option C: A rocket crashes back to Earth with a force of 50.0 N for 0.3 s
Using impulse:
Option D: A boxer hits a punching bag with a net force of 30.0 N for 0.5 s
Using impulse:
Comparison of Momentum:
- Option A: Cannot be directly compared without mass.
- Option B:
- Option C:
- Option D:
Conclusion:
The greatest momentum is in Option B: A baseball hit with a net force of 10.0 N for 3.0 s.
Would you like more clarification on the calculation process? Here are five follow-up questions to deepen your understanding:
- What is the relationship between force, time, and momentum?
- How is the impulse-momentum theorem used in physics?
- How would the car's momentum in Option A compare if its mass was given?
- Why does the rocket in Option C have a lower momentum despite a higher force?
- Can impulse be negative, and what does that mean physically?
Tip: Always check for proportional relationships (like or ) when comparing scenarios without complete information!
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Physics
Momentum
Impulse
Formulas
p = mv
p = F × t
Theorems
Impulse-Momentum Theorem
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12