A boxer slows down his opponent’s punch by moving his gloved hand backward during the…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Linear Momentum · Linear Momentum
Problem
A boxer slows down his opponent’s punch by moving his gloved hand backward during the short time the glove is in contact with the incoming fist. Consider the contact interval to be Δt and the change in momentum of the fist to be fixed.
(a) Using suitable force–time sketches, explain qualitatively how increasing Δt affects the peak force transmitted to the boxer’s hand when the momentum change remains the same.
(b) Describe why two different force–time variations acting for the same total time can produce identical changes in momentum even though their peak forces differ markedly.
(c) State two practical situations other than boxing where the same physical idea is used to reduce injury or damage, and briefly explain how it helps in each case.