Calculating Force and Momentum: A Catcher's Challenge

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the change in momentum and force applied by a catcher stopping a baseball. The initial calculations were incorrect due to a unit conversion error, as 100 km/hr must be converted to meters per second for accurate results. The correct change in momentum is determined to be -6.9 Ns after proper conversion. Additionally, the force applied by the catcher is recalculated to be approximately -36.55 N using the impulse formula correctly. Emphasis is placed on the importance of unit accuracy in physics problems.
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Homework Statement


A catcher stops a .250kg ball traveling at 100km/hr in .19s.
a. Calculate the change in momentum of the baseball [-6.9ns]
b. Calculate the force the catcher applies to the baseball [-36.5n]

Homework Equations


△p=m△v
f△t=m△v

The Attempt at a Solution


a. △p=m△v
△p=m(vi-vf)
△p=mvi-mvf
△p=(.25kg*100m/s)-(.25kg*0m/s)
△p=25ns

b. F△t=m△v
F=m△v-△t
F=((.25kg*100m/s)-(.25kg*0m/s))-(.19s)
F=24.81n

Both answers are wrong. Correct me please.
 
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In your attempt you have 100m/s but in your question, you have 100km/hr, you see the difference? Looks like you need to do a conversion.
 
You need to pay more attention to the units. Getting the units right in these problems is usually the most difficult part. 100 km/hr is not the same as 100 m/s.
 
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Yes! Thank you so much. I will be careful with the units.
And attempt to solution B, I was using an Impulse formula and I made a mistake.
When you try to solve for the Force. You must divide time from the force.
So It would be,
F(.19s)/.19s=(.25kg*27.78m/s)/.19s
F=36.55 N
 
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I think this is now correct.
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
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