A constant force can change the motion of a body through the concept of impulse
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A constant force can change the motion of a body through the concept of impulse.
Answer the following questions related to this idea.
(i) Define (a) linear momentum and (b) impulse, stating the SI unit of each.
(ii) Explain qualitatively how the application of a constant force for a finite time interval affects the momentum of a body of fixed mass.
(iii) A 2 kg cart is initially at rest on a smooth horizontal track. A constant horizontal force of 50 N acts on it for 4 s. Without performing a detailed numerical calculation, state whether the cart’s final momentum is greater than, equal to, or less than 200 kg m s⁻¹. Give a brief conceptual justification for your answer.