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

[bobbo7410]

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...

 

[James Leighe]

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.