Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 6 - Think and Explain - Page 106-107: 47

Answer

Less force is necessary to stop a falling climber if his/her momentum is decreased over a long time. A stretchy rope gradually stops the climber and reduces the impact force. The impulse required to stop the falling climber is the same, and providing it requires either a large force and a short time interval, or a small force over a long time interval. The latter is preferred.
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