A force of 30 N is applied for 50 s on two objects with different masses. Which one has the greater momentum change or impulse?
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The change in momentum (or impulse) experienced by an object is equal to the force applied multiplied by the time duration during which it is applied. In this case, since both objects are subjected to the same force of 30 N for the same duration of 50 s, the impulse for both objects is identical: \(30 \, \text{N} \times 50 \, \text{s} = 1500 \, \text{Ns}\). Therefore, both objects will experience the same change in momentum, regardless of their masses! The key to understanding momentum changes lies in the force-time relationship. If you're ever asked to analyze how mass affects an object's final velocity from a given impulse, remember that mass and speed are inversely related when impulse is constant. A lighter object will accelerate more than a heavier one when the same force is applied, so while the momentum change is the same, the effects on velocity will differ significantly!