Question

an etch egg of mass m is tossed at a speed v into a sagging bed sheet and is brought to rest in a time t. part a find the force acting on the egg when it hits the sheet. express your answer in terms of the variables m, v, and t. f =

Explanation:

Step1: Recall impulse - momentum theorem

The impulse - momentum theorem states that the impulse $J$ is equal to the change in momentum $\Delta p$. Impulse $J = F_{avg}t$ and change in momentum $\Delta p=p_f - p_i$. The initial momentum of the egg is $p_i=mv$ (where $m$ is the mass and $v$ is the initial velocity) and the final momentum $p_f = 0$ (since it comes to rest).

Step2: Set up the equation

We have $J=\Delta p$. Since $J = F_{avg}t$ and $\Delta p=0 - mv=-mv$, then $F_{avg}t=-mv$. Solving for the average force $F_{avg}$, we get $F=\frac{mv}{t}$.

Answer:

$F=\frac{mv}{t}$