Ball Momentum Calculation: A Simple Guide

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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:​