A2L Item 157

Goal: Hone the concept of impulse

Source: UMPERG-ctqpe86

The
two blocks shown below are identical. In case A the block sits on a
horizontal surface and in case B the block is in free fall. Which
statement is correct regarding the impulse delivered to the block by the
gravitational force during a time interval Δt?

  1. In case A the impulse is zero.
  2. In case B the impulse depends upon v.
  3. The impulse is larger in case B than A.
  4. None of the above
  5. Cannot be determined

Commentary:

Answer

(4) Even students who understand forces and would respond
correctly to this question if asked in terms of forces have difficulty
with this question. Many think that motion matters, or answer the
question as if it was about the net impulse.