Help with Physics Homework: Punter Kicking a Football

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics of a punter kicking a football, specifically focusing on the concept of work done on the ball during different phases of the kick. The original poster seeks clarification on whether work is done while the punter's foot is in contact with the ball, after contact is lost, and during the ball's flight.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the definition of work in physics, questioning the conditions under which work is done. The original poster expresses uncertainty about basic concepts, while others prompt reconsideration of assumptions regarding contact and displacement.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants engaging in a back-and-forth about the nature of work and forces acting on the football. Some guidance has been provided regarding the definition of work, but there is no explicit consensus on the original poster's understanding.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is preparing for a test and expresses a lack of confidence in their understanding of fundamental physics concepts. There is an indication of imposed homework rules, as participants emphasize the need for the original poster to arrive at their own conclusions with assistance.

stephenthe1
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physics homework need help!

hi, I'm a student in eleventh grade. I'm actually working on a test for tomorrow, that, to be honest, I'm really not ready for. It's just regular, 1st year phyiscs.

ok, well, my first question I need help with is as follows.

When a punter kicks a football, is he doing work on the ball while his toe is in contact with it? Is he doing work on the ball after the ball loses contact with his toe? Are any forces doing work on the ball while the ball is in flight?
 
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What's your opinion??You're not expecting us to give you the answers right away,you have to figure them out yourself,maybe with a little help from us.

Daniel.
 
no, I need to know why so I can do understand for the test. I feel kind of dumb for such basic stuff, but. I think the punter IS doing work on the ball while it is in contact, then no work when not in contact. air resistance and gravity are the forces.
 
Second part,perfect.However,the first part needs rethinking.Take into account the definition of work.

Daniel.
 
you mean, because the distance between the ball and the punter isn't changing that work is never being done.
 
That's right.During the time the toe/foot/sports shoe and the ball are in contact,there's no "delta x" (meaning it is zero) and by the time they lose contact,there is "delta x",but the force is zero.

Daniel.
 
A weight is connected to a spring that is suspended vertically from the ceiling. If the weight is displaced downward from its equilibrium position and released, it will oscillate up and down. How many forms of potential energy are involved? If air resistance and friction are disregarded, will the total mechanical energy be conserved?

to be honest, I have no idea on this one. I would think the total mechanical energy would be conserved, because the spring would keep oscillating. and I don't know what different forms of potential energy are.
 
What kind of conservative forces (the ones that come from potential fields/potential energy) are involved??Actually,which??

Daniel.
 

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