Question detail
A car has a momentum of 3000 kg·m/s and comes to a stop in 5 seconds. What is the average force exerted on the car during this time Explain your answer using Momentum and force (HT only) and momentum.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Momentum
Question
A car has a momentum of 3000 kg·m/s and comes to a stop in 5 seconds. What is the average force exerted on the car during this time Explain your answer using Momentum and force (HT only) and momentum.
Answer
The average force exerted on the car is 600 N.
Explanation
A strong answer should address (HT only) Interpret data about momentum change, time and force directly. Use the context of Momentum and force (HT only) within Momentum, then state the relevant forces or motion reasoning with units where needed. The answer is correct when it names the key physics quantity, keeps moment and force distinct, and links the conclusion back to the approved learning objective.
Common mistake
Confusing change in momentum with total momentum
Students often treat the change in momentum (Δp) as if it were the total momentum of an object, leading to incorrect force calculations when using F = Δp/Δt.
Remember that Δp represents only the difference between initial and final momentum; total momentum is p = mv. When calculating force, use the change in momentum over the time interval, not the absolute momentum value.
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