Final answer:
The average force exerted by the racquet on the tennis ball during impact can be calculated using the impulse-momentum theorem or the equation F = ma. Based on the given information, the correct option is d) F = 0.25mv0.
Step-by-step explanation:
The average force exerted by the racquet on the tennis ball during impact can be calculated using the impulse-momentum theorem. Since the initial velocity of the tennis ball is v0/2 and the final velocity is zero, the change in momentum is mv0/2. The time taken for the impact can be assumed to be very small, approaching zero. Thus, the average force is given by F = change in momentum/time, which is equal to (mv0/2) / 0. With slightly more steps, we can also use the equation F = ma, where the acceleration is -g, the acceleration is due to gravity, and the mass is m. Substituting the values, the average force is given by F = -mg. Therefore, based on the given information, the correct option for the average force exerted by the racquet on the tennis ball is d) F = 0.25mv0.