Question

10 points) A rubber ball and a lump of putty of the same mass m = 0.05 kg are thrown with the same speed v=10.0 m/s in positive x-direction against a vertical wall. The ball bounces back with the same speed v’=10.0 m/s in negative x-direction. The putty sticks to the wall. Which of the two objects (rubber ball and a lump of putty) experiences the greater momentum change?

Answer 1

the ball experiences the greater momentum change

Step-by-step explanation:

You have to take into account that momentum change is given by

`\Delta p=mv_f-mv_b`

where vf and vb are the speed of the object after and before the impact.

In the case of the ball you have

`\Delta p=(0.05kg)(-10.0(m)/(s))-(0.05kg)(10.0(m)/(s))=-1kg(m)/(s)`

where the minus of vf is included due to the motion is in an opposite direction regarding with vb

And for the lump

`\Delta p=(0.05kg)(10.0(m)/(s))-(0.05kg)(0(m)/(s))=0.5kg(m)/(s)`

Hence, the ball experiences the greater change

hope this helps!!