Question

A baseball of mass m1 = 0.26 kg is thrown at a concrete block m2 = 5.25 kg. the block has a coefficient of static friction of μs = 0.88 between it and the floor. the ball is in contact with the block for t = 0.13 s while it collides elastically. the force of interaction between the block and the ball is constant for the duration of their collision.

Options:
a) True
b) False

Answer 1

The force of interaction between the baseball and concrete block is not likely to be constant during their elastic collision, because forces vary with the rapid changes in velocities during such interactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks whether the force of interaction between a baseball (m1) and a concrete block (m2) during an elastic collision with a constant contact time (t) is constant. The answer is false. In an elastic collision, forces change rapidly during the brief contact time and aren't typically constant. Real collisions often involve complex interactions, where forces vary throughout the duration of impact due to material deformations and energy transfers.

By examining conservation of momentum and kinetic energy, we can understand that the velocities of the objects change during the collision, which implies that the forces between them are not constant either. The given coefficients of friction are relevant when discussing the block's interaction with the floor, not with the ball in motion.