If two equal mass bodies are dropped on a scale from the same height, but one compresses while the other is rigid, will the scale indicate the same reading?
For the sake of numbers, if it matters, let the mass equal 10kg, the height of the drop is 5 meters and the object is 1 meter long.
What are the units (newtons, joules, watts?)
2007-03-04 19:48:54 · 1 answers · asked by Matthew P 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
I think you are actually talking about the Impact Force when a body hits a wall or floor (or other body...).
F(impact) = m(dv/dt)
The magnitude of the impact force is determined by the rate at which the body changes velocity. So a body which compresses will take a longer amount of time to transition through its velocity change.
This principal is used to designed crumple zones in cars - vehicle impact forces are considerably reduced when cars are designed to slowly (relatively) change velocity on impact with something.
The units of imapct force are Newtons
2007-03-04 20:00:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋