Question

When moving a heavy object, what is the exact relationship between the force you apply and the time it takes to bring that object to a full stop?

Accepted Answer

The relationship between force and time is inverse, meaning that if you push harder to stop an object, you can bring it to a stop much faster. Force is simply a push or a pull. To stop a moving object, you must apply a force in the opposite direction of its movement. This change in motion is called impulse, which is just the amount of force you apply multiplied by the time you apply it. Because the object has a set amount of motion, you need a specific amount of total impulse to bring it to a stop. If you apply a large force, you only need a tiny amount of time to reach that total. If you apply a very gentle force, you will need a long time to get the job done. Think of it like catching a fast-moving ball: if you pull your hand back as you catch it, you are using less force over a longer time, but if you keep your hand stiff, you use a large force over a very short time to stop the ball.

When moving a heavy object, what is the exact relationship between the force you apply and the time it takes to bring that object to a full stop?

The relationship between force and time is inverse, meaning that if you push harder to stop an object, you can bring it to a stop much faster. Force is simply a push or a pull. To stop a moving object, you must apply a force in the opposite direction of its movement. Th....

Community Answers

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When moving a heavy object, what is the exact relationship between the force you apply and the time it takes to bring that object to a full stop?

The relationship between force and time is inverse, meaning that if you push harder to stop an object, you can bring it to a stop much faster. Force is simply a push or a pull. To stop a moving object, you must apply a force in the opposite direction of its movement. Th....

Community Answers