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Hollywood Science
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When two things crash, it’s the rate of change of momentum that determines the force (or "wallop") that does the damage.

momentum(p) = mass(m) x velocity(v)

Let’s say Bruce weighs 80 kg, then the momentum he will have at the bottom of his fall will be:

3680kgs-1

The compressive force (F), experienced as a result of the impact on the Earth can be determined from a physics model using momentum. The force Bruce experiences will be approximately equal to the change in momentum divided by the time it takes him to stop falling.

When Bruce jumps off the building he will first be in free fall until he reaches the end of his hose, the tension in the fire hose will then stop his momentum. A force has been applied that changed his velocity forcing him to slow down and stop.

Force = change in momentum divided by time

When Bruce suddenly comes to a halt by the fire hose, he experiences a change in momentum (p), given by pfinal - pinitial.

Once Bruce is brought to a halt by the fire hose, he has no momentum.

Therefore, pfinal = 0.



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