Question

A 0.45 kg dodge ball is thrown at an opposing player at a velocity of 38 m/s to the right. Unfortunately, it misses the player and bounces off the wall at 28 m/s to the left.

What is the impulse of the ball hitting the wall?

Answer 1

The impulse of the ball hitting the wall can be calculated using the impulse-momentum theorem, which states that the impulse of a force is equal to the change in momentum it produces:

Impulse = Change in momentum

The change in momentum of the ball can be calculated as follows:

Change in momentum = Final momentum - Initial momentum

The final momentum of the ball can be calculated using the mass and velocity of the ball after bouncing off the wall:

Final momentum = mass x velocity

Final momentum = 0.45 kg x (-28 m/s) (since the ball is moving to the left)

Final momentum = -12.6 kg m/s

The initial momentum of the ball can be calculated using the mass and velocity of the ball before hitting the wall:

Initial momentum = mass x velocity

Initial momentum = 0.45 kg x 38 m/s (since the ball is moving to the right)

Initial momentum = 17.1 kg m/s

Therefore, the change in momentum of the ball is:

Change in momentum = -12.6 kg m/s - 17.1 kg m/s

Change in momentum = -29.7 kg m/s

Since impulse is equal to the change in momentum, the impulse of the ball hitting the wall is:

Impulse = Change in momentum

Impulse = -29.7 kg m/s

Therefore, the impulse of the ball hitting the wall is 29.7 kg m/s to the left.

Step-by-step explanation: