Question

In order to catch a ball, a baseball player extends the hand forward before impact with the ball and then lets it ride backward in the direction of the ball's motion upon impact. Doing this reduces the force of impact on the player's hand principally becaus

Answer 1

Reducing the force of impact while catching a ball is achieved by increasing the time over which the ball decelerates, which lowers the average force experienced by the hand. This principle, related to impulse, is applied in other sports like tennis, where hitting a ball at the racquet's percussion point exerts minimal force on the player.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to catch a ball, a baseball player extends the hand forward before impact with the ball and then lets it ride backward in the direction of the ball's motion upon impact. Doing this reduces the force of impact on the player's hand principally because it increases the time over which the ball decelerates, resulting in a smaller average force applied to the hand. This concept is based on the physics principle known as impulse, which states that the impulse experienced by an object is equal to the change in momentum of the object. By increasing the time of impact, the rate of change of momentum - which is the force - is reduced.

In tennis, a similar principle applies when hitting a ball with a racquet. The ball can exert a backward, forward, or no force on the hand depending on where it strikes the racquet. When it's hit at the racquet's percussion point or "sweet spot," little to no force is exerted on the hand. In both tennis and baseball, understanding the point of impact is crucial for controlling the force experienced during play.

The physics behind catching a ball and the interaction with sports equipment like tennis racquets and baseball bats makes use of Newton's third law of motion, impulse, and momentum. These principles explain how players can reduce impact forces and avoid potential injury while participating in these sports.

Answer 2

time of impact is increased

Step-by-step explanation:

Whenever there is an interaction between two bodies, and at least one of them is moving, or acquiring movement, determining the amount of movement and momentum is important for studying the impact that the interaction between these two bodies will generate.

In any clash between two or more bodies, if we consider the system composed solely of them - therefore, without the existence of forces outside the system - there will always be the conservation of the amount of motion. We can consider this shock as an impact between two bodies and use as an example the impact between a baseball player's hand and the ball. To catch a ball, a baseball player extends his hand forward before impact with the ball and then lets it back in the direction of ball movement after impact. This reduces the force of impact on the player's hand, mainly because impact time is increased.