Calculating average force - momentum problem

In summary, a golf ball with a mass of 45 grams is struck by a golf club traveling at 55 m/s at a 28.0° angle above the horizontal. The ball is in contact with the club for 15 ms. Using the equations pi + FΔt = pf, p = mΔv, and a = Δv/t, the average force exerted on the ball by the club can be calculated. However, there may not be enough information to solve the problem without knowing the mass of the golf club or assuming certain conditions, such as the club having infinite mass and the collision being elastic.
  • #1
AgentRedfield
10
0

Homework Statement


A golf ball is struck by a golf club at 55 m/s at an angle of 28.0° above the horizontal. The mass of the ball is 45 grams and is in contact with the golf club for 15 ms. Calculate the average force exerted on the ball by the club.

Homework Equations


pi + FΔt = pf
p = mΔv
a = Δv/t

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm really confused because it doesn't seem like I have enough information to solve the problem. Don't I need to know the mass of the golf club?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I would assume two things, the golf club has infinite mass and the collision is elastic, so the golf ball will leave the club at 110 m/s (do you agree?). Otherwise you are right, there is not enough information.
 

1. How do you calculate average force in a momentum problem?

To calculate average force in a momentum problem, you need to divide the change in momentum by the time interval in which the change occurred. This can be represented by the equation F = Δp/Δt, where F is the average force, Δp is the change in momentum, and Δt is the time interval.

2. What is the formula for momentum?

The formula for momentum is mass times velocity. This can be represented by the equation p = mv, where p is momentum, m is mass, and v is velocity.

3. How is momentum related to force?

Momentum and force are directly related. In fact, force is defined as the rate of change of momentum. This means that the larger the force applied to an object, the greater the change in its momentum will be.

4. Can average force be negative in a momentum problem?

Yes, average force can be negative in a momentum problem. This can occur when the force applied to an object is in the opposite direction of its initial velocity, causing a decrease in its momentum. In this case, the negative sign indicates the direction of the force, not the value.

5. What units are used to measure force and momentum?

Force is typically measured in Newtons (N), while momentum is measured in kilogram meters per second (kg m/s). In some cases, other units such as pound-force (lbf) or pound-seconds (lb·s) may be used, but they can always be converted to the standard units of N and kg m/s, respectively.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
488
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
673
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Back
Top