Collisions and Change in Momentum

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the change in momentum of a ball with a mass of 4.7 kg, initially moving at 1.9 m/s in the x-direction and bouncing back with the same speed in the -x-direction. The initial momentum is calculated as 8.93 kg·m/s, while the final momentum is -8.93 kg·m/s. The change in momentum (Δp) is determined to be -2P, resulting in a total change of momentum of -17.86 kg·m/s, indicating a direction towards -x.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of momentum calculation using the formula p=mv
  • Knowledge of vector direction in physics
  • Familiarity with the concept of elastic collisions
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of elastic and inelastic collisions
  • Learn about momentum conservation in closed systems
  • Explore vector addition and subtraction in physics
  • Investigate real-world applications of momentum changes in sports physics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators teaching concepts of momentum and collisions.

jabbie3
Messages
19
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A ball of mass 4.7 kg moving with speed of 1.9 m/s in the x-direction hits a wall and bounces back with the same speed in the -x-direction. What is the change of momentum of the ball? And in what direction?

Homework Equations



p=mv

The Attempt at a Solution



P=mv
P=4.7*1.9
P=8.93
 
Physics news on Phys.org
So what is the initial momentum?

What is the final momentum?

What is the difference?
 
The initial is 8.93 and the final is -8.93..so total momentum is 0? In what direction?
 
Try again using pf - pi to find the difference.
 
jabbie3 said:
The initial is 8.93 and the final is -8.93..so total momentum is 0? In what direction?

Sorry, signs matter.

Initial momentum = P
Final momentum = -P

Final - initial = Δ = (-P) - P = -2P

Negative because Δx/Δt is toward -x.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K