How far will the GOLF BALL travel?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the hypothetical scenario of a golf ball being struck by a golf club attached to a moving train traveling at 100 mph. Participants explore how far the golf ball would travel under these conditions, considering factors such as the coefficient of restitution (C.O.R.) and the principles of momentum and kinetic energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the information provided is insufficient for a precise calculation, noting that while 200 yards might be a reasonable guess, the lack of a launch angle complicates the analysis.
  • Another participant humorously asserts that the golf ball would definitely leave the clubhead upon impact, unless the club is made of an unusual material like ballistics gel.
  • A different participant introduces a legal perspective, questioning the potential ramifications if the golf ball were to cause damage after being struck in this scenario.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on how far the golf ball would travel, with varying opinions and no definitive resolution to the question posed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations such as the absence of a launch angle and the need for additional information to apply conservation laws effectively.

paradigm23
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How far will the GOLF BALL travel?

I'm a business major, and was hoping that a few of the geniuses here could help me solve a problem!

If a golf club was afixed to the front of a train (moving 100mph & assuming no loss of compression on the part of the train), and struck a stationary golf ball (with a C.O.R. of 70%) how far would the ball travel?

I've received several different answers ranging from it wouldn't leave the golf clubhead to 200 yards.

I'd appreciate any help on the subject, and possibly how the problem is solved. I am reasonably sure conservation of momentum and kinetic energy are involved, but just don't know how to properly use the variables.

Thanks in advance to anyone interested!
 
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You can't actually calculate an answer with the information provided, but 200 yards isn't a bad guess. 100 mph is in the ballpark of the speed at which a person swings a golf club, but you don't have a launch angle there from which to calculate trajectory.
 


Unless you golf club is made out of ballistics gel then it would certainly leave the head on impact!
 


Just for fun, and given you're a business major, if the golf ball was projected onto private property and caused damage, what would the legal ramifications include?
 

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