Find the magnitude of the momentum change of the ball?

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The discussion focuses on calculating the momentum change of a tennis ball during an elastic collision. The user identifies that in the y-direction, momentum remains unchanged, while in the x-direction, it changes due to opposite velocity vectors. They derive the momentum change as Δp = -2mvcosθ, indicating a significant change in momentum. The responses confirm that the calculations are correct. The final answer aligns with option (D) 2mv cos θ, confirming the user's understanding of the problem.
paulimerci
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Homework Statement
A tennis ball of mass m rebounds from a racquet with the same speed v as it had
initially as shown. The magnitude of the momentum change of the ball is
(A) 0 (B) 2mv (C) 2mv sin theta (D) 2mv cos theta
Relevant Equations
Conservation of momentum
I understand that it is a 2D momentum problem with an elastic collision;
Looking at the vector diagrams below, I notice that the velocity vectors initial and final in the y direction are in the same direction, indicating that momentum does not change, whereas the velocity vectors initial and final in the x direction are opposite each other, indicating that momentum does change.
Therfore,
$$ \Delta p = p_f - p_i$$
$$ = -mvcos\theta -mvcos\theta$$
$$ \Delta p = -2mvcos\theta$$

Have I done it right?
 

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paulimerci said:
Homework Statement:: A tennis ball of mass m rebounds from a racquet with the same speed v as it had
initially as shown. The magnitude of the momentum change of the ball is
(A) 0 (B) 2mv (C) 2mv sin theta (D) 2mv cos theta
Relevant Equations:: Conservation of momentum

I understand that it is a 2D momentum problem with an elastic collision;
Looking at the vector diagrams below, I notice that the velocity vectors initial and final in the y direction are in the same direction, indicating that momentum does not change, whereas the velocity vectors initial and final in the x direction are opposite each other, indicating that momentum does change.
Therfore,
$$ \Delta p = p_f - p_i$$
$$ = -mvcos\theta -mvcos\theta$$
$$ \Delta p = -2mvcos\theta$$

Have I done it right?
Looks good.
 
TSny said:
Looks good.
Thank you!
 
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