Average Acceleration During a Collision

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the average acceleration of a tennis ball during a collision with a wall, the initial velocity is 7.97 m/s to the right, and the final velocity is -5.07 m/s to the left. The ball is in contact with the wall for 0.011 seconds. The correct formula for average acceleration is α = (vf - vi) / Δt. The user initially applied the wrong equation, leading to an incorrect answer, indicating a need for clarification on the proper use of the formula. Understanding the correct application of the acceleration formula is crucial for solving this problem accurately.
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Homework Statement


A tennis ball with a velocity of 7.97 m/s to the right is thrown perpendicularly at a wall. After striking the wall, the ball rebounds in the opposite direction with a velocity of −5.07 m/s to the left. If the ball is in contact with the wall for 0.011 s, what is the average acceleration of the ball while it is in contact with the wall? Answer in units of m/s^2.


Homework Equations


The one that I assumed was the right equation was
ωf=ωi+αΔt
(ωf=final velocity) (ωi=initial velocity) (α=acceleration) (Δt =change in time)


The Attempt at a Solution


I just plugged the numbers into the formula and solved for α, but the answer was wrong. What I am I doing incorrectly?
 
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