Impulse–momentum theorem Transitional Reasoning Download PDF
10 Physics practice questions on Impulse–momentum theorem. Questions that build towards applied reasoning.
Questions
- 1.
Deep-space exploration missions often utilize high-efficiency ion thrusters that exert very small, continuous forces over extended periods to alter a spacecraft's trajectory. A communication satellite of mass 800 kg is coasting in a straight line through deep space and must increase its speed from 1485 m/s to 1500 m/s along its line of motion. An onboard electric propulsion thruster is activated, delivering a constant forward thrust of 2.0 N. According to the impulse–momentum theorem, for what duration must this thruster fire to accomplish the required speed change?
- 2.
During a laboratory drop test, a 5.0 kg instrumentation module falls vertically and strikes a cushioned landing pad with a downward velocity of 6.0 m/s. The landing pad compresses and brings the module to a complete stop in 0.20 s while the module remains subjected to the downward gravitational force. Taking the acceleration due to gravity as , what is the magnitude of the average contact force exerted by the landing pad on the module during the impact?
- 3.
A 50 kg deep-space exploration probe is traveling at a constant velocity of 8.0 m/s in the positive x-direction. To execute a course adjustment, an onboard attitude thruster delivers a constant force of 60 N in the positive y-direction for a duration of 5.0 s. According to the impulse–momentum theorem, what is the magnitude of the probe's linear momentum immediately after the thruster shuts off?
- 4.
A naval jet of mass 15,000 kg touches down on a flight deck with an initial horizontal velocity of +50 m/s and is brought to a complete stop in 2.5 s. Throughout this stopping interval, the aircraft deploys reverse thrusters that provide a constant retarding force of 60,000 N while an arresting cable exerts an additional backward force. According to the impulse–momentum theorem, what is the magnitude of the average force exerted on the jet by the arresting cable alone?
- 5.
In an experiment on a horizontal frictionless track, a glider traveling with an initial velocity of +1.2 m/s encounters a pneumatic bumper. The bumper exerts an opposing horizontal force that delivers an impulse of magnitude 4.8 N·s to the glider, causing it to rebound with a final velocity of -2.0 m/s. According to the impulse–momentum theorem, what is the mass of the glider?
- 6.
In a physics laboratory investigation, two test carts, Cart 1 of mass 1.0 kg and Cart 2 of mass 3.0 kg, are initially at rest on a frictionless horizontal track. Identical compressed-air thrusters deliver the same constant horizontal net force of 6.0 N to each cart over an identical time interval of 0.50 s. According to the impulse–momentum theorem, how do the final momentum and final velocity of Cart 2 compare with those of Cart 1?
- 7.
A 0.50 kg test drone travels horizontally in the positive direction at 8.0 m/s when it is intercepted by an arresting net. The net exerts an opposing horizontal force whose magnitude increases steadily from 0 N to a peak of 60 N over 0.10 s and then decreases steadily back to 0 N over the next 0.10 s. According to the impulse–momentum theorem, what is the velocity of the drone immediately after this interaction?
- 8.
An automated rail shuttle of mass 400 kg travels along a straight horizontal track with an initial velocity of +6.0 m/s. To adjust its position for docking, an electromagnetic brake first applies an average retarding force of 1600 N in the negative direction for 1.0 s, after which an auxiliary thruster applies an average forward force of 400 N in the positive direction for 0.50 s. According to the impulse–momentum theorem, what are the net impulse delivered to the shuttle and its final velocity?
- 9.
In a physics laboratory experiment, two identical 0.40 kg balls, Ball X and Ball Y, are projected horizontally at 15 m/s toward a vertical barrier. Ball X strikes a padded section and comes to a complete stop in 0.060 s without rebounding. Ball Y strikes an elastic section and rebounds horizontally in the opposite direction at 15 m/s after an interaction lasting 0.030 s. According to the impulse–momentum theorem, how do the magnitude of the impulse delivered to Ball Y and the magnitude of the average net force exerted on Ball Y compare to those on Ball X?
- 10.
An automated transport cart with a total mass of 120 kg travels along a straight horizontal track at a constant speed of 4.0 m/s. An onboard emergency braking mechanism brings the cart to a complete stop over an interval of 2.4 s by exerting a net backward force. An engineering team tests an alternative bumper system designed to bring the identical cart to rest from the same initial speed by exerting twice the average stopping force. According to the impulse–momentum theorem, how do the total impulse delivered to the cart and the stopping time for the bumper system compare with those of the original braking mechanism?