Verified Solution Science How Forces Affect Motion

A hammer of mass 1 kg, moving at 10 m/s, strikes a nail. The nail stops the hammer in 0.01 seconds. What is the force exerted by the nail on the hammer?

9 views 1 helpful Updated Jul 5, 2026
Solution ✔ Verified
  • A-100 N
  • B-1000 N
  • C-10 N
  • D-1 N
Explanation

The force exerted is the change in momentum divided by the time taken (impulse-momentum theorem). Initial momentum p₁ = mv₁ = 1 kg * 10 m/s = 10 kg m/s. Final momentum p₂ = 0. Change in momentum Δp = p₂ - p₁ = 0 - 10 = -10 kg m/s. Force F = Δp / Δt = -10 kg m/s / 0.01 s = -1000 N.

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