(a) Define impulse and state its SI unit. (b) A gymnast lands on a foam mat instead…
PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
(a) Define impulse and state its SI unit.
(b) A gymnast lands on a foam mat instead of a hard wooden floor. Explain, without using any numerical calculation, why the average force on the gymnast’s legs is smaller when the mat is used.
(c) Draw qualitative force–time graphs for the two landings mentioned in part (b) and indicate on each graph the region that represents the impulse received by the gymnast. Explain how the graphs support your answer in part (b).