Chapter 8, Problem 50A

A bug and the windshield of a fast-moving car collide. Indicate whether each of the following statements is true or false.

a. The forces of impact on the bug and on the car are the same size.

b. The impulses on the bug and on the car are the same size.

c. The changes in speed of the bug and of the car are the same.

d. The changes in momentum of the bug and of the car are the same size.

To determine

To Check: Whether the given statement is true or not.

Answer to Problem 50A

True, the forces are equal and opposite.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The phenomenon of action and reaction forces is describedby the Newton’s third law of motion. As per this law, object exert equal amount of force on each other.

Yes, the forces of impact on the bug and on the car are the same size because according to Newton’s third law of motion, objects exert equal and opposite forces on each other.Thus, the impact forces on the bug and on the car are the same size.

Conclusion:

Hence, the given statement is true.

To determine

To Check: Whether the given statement is true or not.

Answer to Problem 50A

True, the impulses on the bug and on the car are the same size.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Impulse is defined as a product of force exerted and time of contact between the objects.

The force of impact on the bug and on the car are the same size because the same force is applied to each, for same instant of time interval.Thus, the impulses on the bug and on the car are the same size.

Conclusion:

Hence, the given statement is true.

To determine

To Check: Whether the given statement is true or not.

Answer to Problem 50A

False, the speed changes of the bug and of the car are not the same.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The change in the speed depends on the mass of the objects if the applied force is same in case of collision.

The speed changes of the bug and of the car are not the same because the car does not reverse direction like the bug does. The mass of the car is very high as compared to the bug due to which change in the speed of car is negligible as compared to the bug.

Conclusion:

Thus, the speed changes of the bug and of the car are not the same. Hence, the given statement is false.

To determine

To Check: Whether the given statement is true or not.

Answer to Problem 50A

True, the change in momentum of the bug and of the car are the same size.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The change in the momentum is defined as the impulse.

The change in momentum of the bug and of the car are the same size because the change in momentum is the impulse. So, if impulse are equal then the change in momentum is also equal.

Conclusion:

Thus, the change in momentum of the bug and of the car are the same size. The given statement is true.