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PRACTICE · MEMBERSIntermediate · Single correct

PRACTICE / Impulse

How much does a triangular force pulse change velocity?

A 0.5 kg cart moves right at 2 m/s on a horizontal rail. A rightward net force rises linearly from zero at t = 0 to 6 N at t = 0.2 s, then falls linearly to zero at t = 0.4 s.

F (N)600.20.4t (s)
The force varies with time. The shaded area represents impulse.

What is the cart’s velocity immediately after the pulse?

Organize the givens & assumptions
  • Mass: 0.5 kg
  • Initial velocity: +2 m/s
  • Force pulse: triangle, base 0.4 s, height 6 N

The specified force is the net horizontal force. Mass is constant. Use right as positive.

  1. A2.4 m s−12.4\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}
  2. B4.4 m s−1 right4.4\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\ \text{right}
  3. C6.8 m s−16.8\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}
  4. D1.2 m s−11.2\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}

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