Ball Momentum Calculation: A Simple Guide

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AI Thread Summary
To calculate the change in momentum of a ball struck by a stick, the vectors representing the ball's initial momentum and the force exerted must be combined correctly. The discussion emphasizes placing the vectors head to tail rather than tail to tail to accurately reflect the addition of momentum. This method ensures that the resultant vector correctly represents the final momentum after the force is applied. Participants clarify that the final momentum is a sum of the initial momentum and the change due to the force. Proper vector addition is crucial for accurate momentum calculations.
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Homework Statement


A ball moves in the direction of the arrow labeled a below. The ball is struck by a stick which briefly exerts a force on the ball in the direction of the arrow labeled c below.

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/7387/directionrosette.jpg


Homework Equations



Change in Monetum = Final Momentum - Initial Momentum

The Attempt at a Solution



Don`t you just place the vectors tail to tail and subtract them? If I place vector a tail to tail with c and subtract I get d (tail of vector is at initial and head of vector is at final)
 
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Hi PolyFX! :smile:
PolyFX said:
Don`t you just place the vectors tail to tail and subtract them? If I place vector a tail to tail with c and subtract I get d (tail of vector is at initial and head of vector is at final)

No you place them head to tail (in either order) (so the arrows "carry on") …

after all, you're adding momentum to the original momentum, aren't you? :wink: …

so add the vectors! :smile:​
 

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