Help with Physics Homework: Punter Kicking a Football

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the physics of a punter kicking a football, specifically addressing the concept of work done on the ball during contact and after contact. It is established that while the punter's toe is in contact with the ball, no work is done due to zero displacement (delta x). After contact, forces such as gravity and air resistance act on the ball, but the punter does not perform work on it. Additionally, the conversation touches on potential energy in oscillating systems, emphasizing the conservation of mechanical energy when disregarding air resistance and friction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as work and energy.
  • Familiarity with the definitions of force and displacement.
  • Knowledge of potential energy and conservative forces.
  • Basic principles of oscillation and mechanical energy conservation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the definition of work in physics, focusing on the relationship between force and displacement.
  • Explore the concepts of potential energy and kinetic energy in oscillating systems.
  • Learn about the effects of air resistance and friction on mechanical energy conservation.
  • Investigate the principles of conservative forces and their role in energy transformations.
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High school students studying physics, educators looking for teaching resources, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of motion and energy conservation.

stephenthe1
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physics homework need help!

hi, I'm a student in eleventh grade. I'm actually working on a test for tomorrow, that, to be honest, I'm really not ready for. It's just regular, 1st year phyiscs.

ok, well, my first question I need help with is as follows.

When a punter kicks a football, is he doing work on the ball while his toe is in contact with it? Is he doing work on the ball after the ball loses contact with his toe? Are any forces doing work on the ball while the ball is in flight?
 
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What's your opinion??You're not expecting us to give you the answers right away,you have to figure them out yourself,maybe with a little help from us.

Daniel.
 
no, I need to know why so I can do understand for the test. I feel kind of dumb for such basic stuff, but. I think the punter IS doing work on the ball while it is in contact, then no work when not in contact. air resistance and gravity are the forces.
 
Second part,perfect.However,the first part needs rethinking.Take into account the definition of work.

Daniel.
 
you mean, because the distance between the ball and the punter isn't changing that work is never being done.
 
That's right.During the time the toe/foot/sports shoe and the ball are in contact,there's no "delta x" (meaning it is zero) and by the time they lose contact,there is "delta x",but the force is zero.

Daniel.
 
A weight is connected to a spring that is suspended vertically from the ceiling. If the weight is displaced downward from its equilibrium position and released, it will oscillate up and down. How many forms of potential energy are involved? If air resistance and friction are disregarded, will the total mechanical energy be conserved?

to be honest, I have no idea on this one. I would think the total mechanical energy would be conserved, because the spring would keep oscillating. and I don't know what different forms of potential energy are.
 
What kind of conservative forces (the ones that come from potential fields/potential energy) are involved??Actually,which??

Daniel.
 

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