AP Physics 1 4.2: Impulse
Describe impulse as the product of average net force and the time interval of interaction, with direction determined by the net force.
- Syllabus
- Effective Fall 2025
- Course
- AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
4.2.A—Describe the impulse delivered to an object or system question 1
[Maximum number: 2]
(12 points, suggested time 25 minutes)
A student hangs a spring of unknown spring constant k vertically by attaching one end to a stand, as shown in Figure 1. The other end of the spring has a small loop from which small cylinders can be hung. In addition to the spring, the student has access only to a variety of cylinders of unknown masses, a stopwatch, and a digital scale.
Using the data in the force-time graph, estimate the change in momentum of the cart from t=0.5 s to t=2.5 s. Briefly explain how you arrived at your estimation.
(ii) For indicating the magnitude of the change in momentum is zero 1 point
For indicating the area under the force-time graph represents the value of the change in 1 point momentum
Example Response
The area under the curve for a force vs time graph represents the impulse or change in momentum. The area under the curve for 0.5 s to 2.5 s is zero.
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