Chapter 9, Problem 80A

To determine

Whether an object can have a larger impulse from a smaller force than it does from a larger force.

Answer to Problem 80A

Yes

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Impulse on an object can be given by the force applied on an object multiplied with the time duration for which it is applied,

  $\text{Impulse = }F\Delta t$

where $F$ is the applied force for time $\Delta t$ .

Considering the above formula, if a smaller force is applied on an object for large duration of time or a larger force is applied for smaller duration of time, then the impulse due to the smaller force can be greater than the impulse due to larger force.

Conclusion:

Thus, it is possible for an object to have a larger impulse from a smaller force than it does from a larger force by varying the time duration for which the force is applied on an object.