Maximizing Impulse

[justadream]

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Impulse is greater in elastic collisions than in inelastic collisions.

My question is: What type of elastic collisions is impulse maximized in?

My hypothesis: Impulse is maximized in collisions between two objects of the same mass and speed (with velocities in opposite directions).

Is that true? I thought so because this would seem to maximize deltaV.

 

[Cawolf]

Yes, that makes sense.

 

[justadream]

@Cawolf ?
Would force be maximized as well in collisions between two objects of the same mass and speed (with velocities in opposite directions)

 

[Cawolf]

Force would be maximized when the greatest mass or change in acceleration is involved.

I am not sure how to answer your question.

If you want to compare impulse to force, then the longer time a force is applied, the greater the impulse.

 

[justadream]

@Cawolf

Let's say you are given 100J of energy. You have two objects of any mass you choose (from 10^-999999 to 10^999999). The speeds can be from 10^-9999999 to 3x10^8. You can make the collision elastic or inelastic.

What scenario would maximize force (like what mass combinations, speed combinations, etc)?

 

[Cawolf]

I guess I am not really sure as to where you are going with it - maybe someone else has a better answer.

Momentum will be conserved in either type of collision and the greater the mass and velocity of the objects at collision, the greater the force the objects feel.

 

[justadream]

I guess I am not really sure as to where you are going with it - maybe someone else has a better answer.

Momentum will be conserved in either type of collision and the greater the mass and velocity of the objects at collision, the greater the force the objects feel.

So the relative velocities/masses of the objects in a collision don't matter? As long as their magnitudes are greater, force is greater.