Question

In a lab environment, you are investigating the impulse of a force exerted on a brick when the brick's speed is reduced from 2.5 m/s to a complete stop. First, you allow the brick to slam into a secured piece of wood, bringing the brick to a sudden stop. Second, you allow the brick to plow into a large slab of gelatin so that the brick comes to a gradual halt. In which situation is there a greater impulse of the force on the brick?
The impulse is the same in both situations.
There is a greater impulse of the force on the brick from the gelatin.
Not enough information is given to determine the answer.
There is a greater impulse of the force on the brick from the wall.

Answer 1

Answer:

The impulse is the same in both situations.

Explanation:

As we know that impulse is defined as change in momentum

so it is given as

$\Delta P = m(v_f - v_i)$

also we know that

$\Delta P = F\Delta t$

so we will have

$v_f = 0$

$v_i = 2.5 m/s$

now impulse is given as

$\Delta P = m(2.5 - 0)$

so it is independent of the time for which it is stopped

so impulse will be same in both cases