University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 8 - Momentum, Impulse, and Collision - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 263: Q8.12

Answer

The glass is more likely to break when it hits the concrete floor.

Work Step by Step

The forces from the 2 types of floors deliver the same impulse to stop the falling glass. The concrete floor is more unyielding than the wooden floor, and stops the falling glass over a shorter distance and shorter time interval. This means that the average force exerted on the glass must be larger, which makes the glass more likely to break when it hits concrete. See Figure 8.3b.
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