A 4.0-kg block slides along a frictionless surface with a constant speed of 5.0 m/s as shown. Two seconds after it begins sliding, a horizontal, time-dependent force is applied to the mass. The force is removed eight seconds later. The graph shows how the force on the block varies with time.
-What is the magnitude of the total impulse of the force acting on the block?

Question

A 4.0-kg block slides along a frictionless surface with a constant speed of 5.0 m/s as shown. Two seconds after it begins sliding, a horizontal, time-dependent force is applied to the mass. The force is removed eight seconds later. The graph shows how the force on the block varies with time.

-What is the magnitude of the total impulse of the force acting on the block?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Impulse is defined as the change in momentum. Since the force is varying with time, we need to calculate the area under the graph to find the impulse. The area of the trapezoid is ((1/2)*(20+40)*8) = 240 Ns. Therefore, the magnitude of the total impulse is 240 Ns or 42 N.

A 40-Kg Block Slides Along a Frictionless Surface with a Constant