What impulse must act on the bowling ball to stop it?

In summary, the momentum of a 10kg bowling ball moving with a velocity of -3m/s is -30Ns. To bring the bowling ball to a stop, an impulse of 30Ns in the opposite direction is required.
  • #1
x2017
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1

Homework Statement


[/B]
A 10kg bowling ball is moving with a velocity of -3m/s.
a) What is the momentum of the bowling ball?
b) What impulse must act on the bowling ball to bring it to a stop?

Homework Equations



momentum=mv
impulse=ΣFΔt
ΣFΔt=mΔv

The Attempt at a Solution



a) momentum = mv
momentum = (10)(-3)
momentum = -30Ns

b) This is where I get stuck. Is the impulse simply equal and opposite to the momentum? Or is there another step?

ΣFΔt=mΔv
ΣFΔt=-30Ns
ΣFΔt=30Ns (opposite sign because bowling ball has to be stopped by a force going in the other direction)
 
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  • #2
Impulse represents a change in momentum. The change you want in this case happens to be equal in magnitude to the initial momentum of the bowling ball. So you've done fine.
 

Related to What impulse must act on the bowling ball to stop it?

1. What is impulse?

Impulse is a measurable quantity that represents the change in momentum of an object. It is equal to the force applied to an object multiplied by the time interval over which the force is applied.

2. How is impulse related to stopping a bowling ball?

In order to stop a bowling ball, a force must be applied in the opposite direction to its motion. This force must be applied for a certain amount of time, resulting in a change in momentum and therefore an impulse.

3. What factors affect the impulse required to stop a bowling ball?

The mass and velocity of the bowling ball, as well as the time interval over which the force is applied, all affect the impulse required to stop the ball. A heavier ball or a ball with a higher velocity will require a larger impulse to stop, while a longer time interval will result in a smaller impulse.

4. How does impulse relate to the concept of inertia?

Inertia is an object's resistance to change in motion. The greater the mass of an object, the greater its inertia. When a force is applied to an object, its inertia causes it to resist the change in motion. Therefore, a larger impulse is needed to overcome the object's inertia and change its motion.

5. Can impulse be negative?

Yes, impulse can be negative. This occurs when the force applied to an object is in the opposite direction to its motion, resulting in a decrease in its momentum. In the case of stopping a bowling ball, the impulse would be negative as the force is applied in the opposite direction to the ball's motion.

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