Two identical teacups, A and B, are dropped from the same height. Teacup A is dropped onto cement and breaks, and Teacup B is dropped onto a trampoline and does not break. Which of the following variables is NOT equal for Teacups A and B?
A) Their mass
B) Their impulse from the collision
C) Their force from the collision
D) Their initial momentum
E) Their final momentum

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force from the collision is not equal because Teacup A experienced a larger force from the cement than Teacup B did from the trampoline. The other variables (mass, impulse, initial and final momentum) are equal for both teacups because they were dropped from the same height and had the same initial conditions before the collision.

Two Identical Teacups, a and B, Are Dropped from the Same