#  >> K-12 >> K-12 Basics

How to Calculate Impact Force Against a Stationary Object

The foundations of the physical universe are based on the forces transferred between objects and particles. Most people know the Second Law of Motion: force equals mass times acceleration. Impact force, also known as impulse, is calculated differently; it requires knowledge of the change in velocity and the time during which the objects were in contact.

Things You'll Need

  • Calculator
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the original velocity of the moving object. If you're working a physics problem, this quantity will be given to you. For an example, assume you have a bowling ball moving at 5 meters per second.

    • 2

      Determine the moving object's velocity after impact. In the example, assume the bowling ball slows down to 1 meter per second upon striking a bowling pin.

    • 3

      Calculate the time over which the force was transferred. Assume the bowling ball slowed to 1 meter per second over a period of 0.5 seconds.

    • 4

      Input these values into the equation "I = M("V/"T)," or mass times the change in velocity divided by the change in time. The equation works out to 5(4/.05), or 40. The impulse is 40 newtons.

Learnify Hub © www.0685.com All Rights Reserved