Question

A glass will break if it falls onto a hardwood floor but not if it falls from the same height onto a padded, carpeted floor. Describe the different outcomes in the collision between a glass and the floor in terms of fundamental physical quantities.

Answer 1

Whether a glass breaks upon impact depends on the average force exerted on it by the surface. Falling onto a padded or carpeted floor reduces the force exerted on the glass, preventing it from breaking.

Step-by-step explanation:

Whether a glass breaks upon impact depends on the average force exerted on it by the surface. When a glass hits the floor, it will break if it experiences a sufficient force. The force experienced by the glass can be calculated using the formula F = m * a, where F is the force, m is the mass of the glass, and a is the acceleration. From the given information, we can calculate the minimum height from which the glass must fall to experience sufficient force to break.

If the glass falls onto a hardwood floor, the force exerted on the glass will be greater compared to if it falls onto a padded or carpeted floor. This is because the hardwood floor does not absorb the impact and transfers the force directly to the glass, causing it to break. On the other hand, a padded or carpeted floor absorbs some of the impact, reducing the force exerted on the glass and preventing it from breaking.