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

4345 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A spacecraft needs to be slowed down from a speed of 96m/s to 8.2m/s. This can be done by firing an object as the spacecraft is moving. If the mass of the spacecraft is 6730kg and the object is 50kg, calculate the velocity of the ejected object.


Explain why for heavy nuclei there is imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons. Give reference to the range and particle type of the forces that influence this imbalance.


When red light is shone on a metal, regardless of the intensity of this light, no current will flow. However if blue light is shone on this metal a current will flow. Why does this occur?


A ball is thrown in the air with velocity of 50.0 m/s, assuming no air resistance calculate its maximum height.


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