force is change of momentum / time to change it
if the target is soft, it takes longer to change the momentum
so the force is less
or
work done = change in kinetic energy = force times distance
to get the - (1/2) m v^2 needed, we can use a big force over a short distance or a small force over a great distance. The soft target provides a greater stopping distance so less force.
(LOL, they did not ask for an energy argument though)
If you drop a raw egg on the ground, it will break. If you drop it on a saggy sheet, it does not. Explain in terms of momentum and/or impulse.
1 answer
1 answer