A heavy pile driver starting from rest falls on a pile with a force that depends on the

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force exerted by the pile driver on the pile depends on the original height of the driver (since potential energy is related to height), the original potential energy (which is directly related to the height and mass of the driver), and the distance the pile falls (which affects the speed and therefore the kinetic energy at impact). All these factors contribute to the force applied to the pile.

A Heavy Pile Driver Starting from Rest Falls on a Pile