Calculating Average Acceleration During Ball-Wall Collision

  • Thread starter krazykaci
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In summary, the average acceleration of a tennis ball that rebounds off a wall with a speed of 25.1 m/s and then moves in the opposite direction with a speed of 12.8 m/s after being in contact with the wall for 0.0105 s is -1219.05 m/s^2.
  • #1
krazykaci
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A tennis ball with a speed of 25.1 m/s is moving perpendicualr to a wall. After striking the wall, the ball rebounds in the opposite direction with a speed of 12.8 m/s. Take "twords the wall" to be a positive direction. If the ball is in contact with the wall for 0.0105 s, what is the average acceleration of the ball while it is in contact witht he wall? Answer in units of m/s2

where do i start here?

~KACI
 
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  • #2
Look at your kinematic equations. Find one that you can solve for average acceleration. Isolate it and solve it.
 
  • #3
so v.= 25.1 v=12.8 t= 0.0105 then I use v=v.+a(t) to solve?
 
  • #4
yes, but use algebra to re-write that formula so it reads:

a = something.
 
  • #5
The ball changes direction, so you need to change the sign of one of the velocities.
 
  • #6
thanks! =)
 

1. How does the speed of a ball change after colliding with a wall?

After colliding with a wall, the speed of a ball changes due to the transfer of kinetic energy. If the wall is rigid and the collision is elastic, the ball's speed will be the same as before the collision. However, if the wall is not perfectly rigid or the collision is inelastic, the ball's speed will decrease after the collision.

2. What factors affect the outcome of a collision between a ball and a wall?

The outcome of a collision between a ball and a wall can be affected by several factors, including the material and elasticity of the ball and wall, the angle of incidence, and the speed of the ball before the collision. The shape and surface texture of the ball and wall can also play a role in the outcome.

3. How does the angle of incidence impact a collision between a ball and a wall?

The angle of incidence, or the angle at which the ball approaches the wall, can greatly impact the outcome of a collision. If the ball hits the wall at a perpendicular angle, the collision will be more elastic and the ball will bounce off with the same speed. However, if the ball hits the wall at an angle, the collision will be more inelastic and the ball's speed will decrease after bouncing off the wall.

4. Can a collision between a ball and a wall be completely elastic?

Yes, a collision between a ball and a wall can be completely elastic if the wall is perfectly rigid and the collision is perfectly elastic. In this case, the ball's speed and direction will be the same before and after the collision. However, this is not always the case as real-world materials and collisions are not perfectly rigid or elastic.

5. How does the mass of the ball affect the outcome of a collision with a wall?

The mass of the ball can impact the outcome of a collision with a wall. Generally, a heavier ball will have more momentum and will be more resistant to changes in its speed or direction. This means that a heavier ball may have a smaller change in speed after colliding with a wall compared to a lighter ball.

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