Help (pic) Force of impact. Launched vs Dropped. Same height.

AI Thread Summary
A ball dropped and a ball launched horizontally from the same height will have the same force of impact in the vertical direction, as both experience the same gravitational acceleration. The horizontal velocity of the launched ball does not affect its vertical impact velocity, adhering to the principle that force equals mass times acceleration. However, the launched ball may impart additional force upon impact due to friction, resulting in a sideways push as it resists rolling. Thus, while the vertical impact force remains the same, the overall impact dynamics differ slightly due to horizontal motion. Understanding these principles clarifies the relationship between vertical and horizontal forces during impact.
bobbo7410
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Would a ball dropped vs launched(horizontally) have the same force of impact? (same starting height)

I can't wrap my mind around this... I know there's no acceleration in the x-direction, yet I would imagine the launched object would have a greater force of impact. (negating the ball rolling after impact, etc)

Or in the end is it really F=MA for both...
 
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bobbo7410 said:
Would they have the same force of impact?

Yes, because the velocity in the x direction would not contribute to the velocity in the -y direction (the impacting velocity).

Although, because of friction, the sideways ball WILL impart more force than the other ball... But just not in the -y direction, more like a sideways push as it resists beginning to roll.
 

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