Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

by
Knight, Randall D.

Answer

The glider is in contact with the spring for 0.20 seconds.

Work Step by Step

We can find the impulse exerted on the glider by the spring.
$p_0+J = p_f$
$J = p_f-p_0$
$J = m~(v_f-v_0)$
$J = (0.60~kg)[3.0~m/s-(-3.0~m/s)]$
$J = 3.6~N~s$
The impulse is equal to the area under the force versus time graph. We can find the time $t$ that the glider was in contact with the spring.
$\frac{1}{2}F_{max}~t = J$
$t = \frac{2J}{F_{max}}$
$t = \frac{(2)(3.6~N~s)}{36~N}$
$t = 0.20~s$
The glider is in contact with the spring for 0.20 seconds.