Chapter 8, Problem 13A

Why is more impulse delivered during a collision when bouncing occurs than during one when it doesn’t?

To determine

The reason that more impulse is delivered during a collision when bouncing occurs than during the one when it doesn’t occur.

Answer to Problem 13A

Since momentum is a vector quantity, hence the change in momentum will be more in case of bouncing which in turn delivers more impulse.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Momentum is given by the product of the mass $\left(m\right)$ of the object and its velocity $\left(v\right)$ as,

  $p=mv$

And, impulse is given by,

  $\begin{array}{c}\text{Impulse}=\Delta p\\ =m\Delta v\end{array}$

It is known that the velocity is a vector quantity. Now when the bouncing occurs, then the change in momentum will be the addition of the magnitude of momentums. Whereas, when no bouncing occurs, then change in momentum will be the subtraction of the magnitude of momentums.

Conclusion:

Hence, more change in momentum occurs in case of bouncing due to which more impulse is delivered during this case.