A tiny raindrop of mass 0.0040kg strikes a horizontal leaf. The raindrop’s linear momentum along the vertical +y axis is recorded at the times listed below; between the times shown the momentum varies linearly.
\nTime t(s): 0.000 0.002 0.004 0.006
\nMomentum p(kg⋅m/s): 0.000 0.080 0.000 -0.040
Positive momentum is upward.
a. Determine the magnitude and direction of the net external force acting on the raindrop during each of the three time intervals: 0–0.002 s, 0.002–0.004 s, and 0.004–0.006 s.
b. Compute the total impulse delivered to the raindrop over the entire 0.006 s interval and state its direction.
c. Using the mass of the raindrop, calculate the average acceleration during the first interval (0 ≤ t ≤ 0.002 s). Compare this value with g=9.8m/s2 and discuss physically plausible reasons for any difference.