Question

Using the concept of impact in momentum, explain why it is hard to stop the motion of a bowling ball moving 5/s than it is to stop the motion of a baseball moving 5 m/s.

A) Greater mass
B) Higher velocity
C) Smaller mass
D) Lower velocity

Answer 1

It is harder to stop a bowling ball than a baseball moving at the same speed because the bowling ball has greater mass, resulting in greater momentum, requiring more force or time to stop it.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is harder to stop the motion of a bowling ball moving at 5 m/s as compared to a baseball moving at the same speed because of the concept of momentum, which is the product of an object's mass and velocity. The bowling ball has a greater mass compared to a baseball, which means that the bowling ball will have more momentum if both are moving at the same velocity. Since momentum is conserved in the absence of external forces, it requires a greater force or a longer time to change the bowling ball's state of motion.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question of why it is harder to stop the motion of a bowling ball moving at 5 m/s than it is to stop the motion of a baseball moving at 5 m/s is A) Greater mass.