Chapter 7, Problem 1CQ

Does the length of time that a force acts on an object have any effect on the strength of the impulse produced? Explain.

To determine

Whether the length of time that the force acts on an object have any effect on the strength of the impulse produced.

Answer to Problem 1CQ

Yes, the length of time that the force acts on an object definitely have effect on the strength of the impulse produced.

Explanation of Solution

The expression for the impulse produced when a force acts on a body for a particular interval of time is $\text{impulse}=F\Delta t$. Here, $F$ is the average force acting on the body and $\Delta t$ is the time interval of action. This equation suggests easily that the strength of the impulse produced directly and proportionally has effect on the time interval for which the impulse produced.

The main aspect associated with increasing the length of the time the force acts on the object can reduce the effect of the average force acting on the body. Thus if the impulse is constant, if we increase the time interval of the impact, we can reduce the average force acting on the body.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the length of time that the force acts on an object definitely have effect on the strength of the impulse produced.