Explain why a moving object cannot come to a stop instantaneously (in zero seconds). Hint: Think about the acceleration that would be required.

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Roxie

Physics

20 August, 03:43

Explain why a moving object cannot come to a stop instantaneously (in zero seconds). Hint: Think about the acceleration that would be required.

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Mahoney · Answer 1

To stop instantly, you would need infinite deceleration. This in turn, requires infinite force, as demonstrable with this equation:F=ma So when you hit a wall, you do not instantly stop (e. g. the trunk of the car will still move because the car is getting crushed). In a case of a change in momentum, m v⃗ m v→, we can use the following equation to calculate force:F=p/h However, because the force is nowhere close to infinity, time will never tend to zero either, which means that you cannot come to an instantaneous stop.