A ball of mass 0.7 kg strikes the wall at an angle of 90 degrees with speed 72 km/h. Consider that the bounce lasts for 0.1 s and is perfectly elastic. What is the magnitude of the average reaction force from the wall that acts on the ball?

initial speed: v =  72 km/h = 20 m/s. 
mass: m = 0.7 kg
time of the impact: t = 0.1 s
average force: F
The speed after impact is the same as initial speed, but velocity has got the opposite direction. Therefore, Δv = 2v

Δmomentum = Δp = mΔv = 2mv

from the Newton's 2nd Law:
F = Δp/Δt = 2mv/t
F = 20.720/(0.1) = 280 N

Answer: The magnitue of the average force equals 280 N. 

FM
Answered by Filip M. Physics tutor

4429 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Discuss how the graph of orbital velocities in rotational galaxies against distance from the galactic centre implies the existence of dark matter.


Where does the simple harmonic motion equation come from and what does it mean?


What are the differences between standing waves and progressive waves?


Is F=ma Newton's 2nd Laws of Motion?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning