A ball of mass m with initial velocity u rebounds from a wall, with final velocity v. Using Newton's laws of motion explain forces acting in the system.

The ball has initial momentum p1= mu, and final momentum p2=vm. According to the Newton's 2nd law of motion a force exerted on the ball is equal to the rate of change of momentum . It is thus:F = ( p2-p1)/t , where t is the time of interaction (instert suitable diagram). Substituting for momenta:F = (mv - mu)/t, or F = m(v - u)/tTherefore knowing the magnitude of velocities, it is possible to calculate the force exerted on the ball by the wall during the collision. Note that velocities are vectors, so u and v are of opposite signs.According to the Newton's 3rd law of motion, if object A exerts some force on object B, then object B exerts force of the same magnitude but opposite direction on object A.In the presented case this means that the ball acts on the wall with a force of the same magnitude but opposite direction (instert suitable diagram).

MM
Answered by Maks M. Physics tutor

2134 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

Give the unit of energy, using only the base SI units kg, m and s.


Distinguish between internal energy and temperature


For a body of mass m orbiting a body of mass M with radius of orbit r, what is the minimum velocity that m needs in order to escape M's gravitational pull and end up infinitely far away from M?


What is the difference between EMF and Voltage?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning