Impulse of a falling ball under gravity onto a solid surface

In summary, a 0.5-kg rubber ball is dropped from a height of 19.6 m and rebounds to a maximum height of 4.9 m. The magnitude of the impulse due to the collision with the sidewalk is 14.7 kg m/s. This is calculated by taking the difference between the velocities before and after the collision.
  • #1
GatorJ
3
0

Homework Statement


A 0.5-kg rubber ball is dropped from rest a height of 19.6 m above the surface of the Earth. It strikes the sidewalk below
and rebounds up to a maximum height of 4.9 m. What is the magnitude of the impulse due to the collision with the sidewalk?

Homework Equations


J=[tex]\Delta[/tex]P


The Attempt at a Solution


mgh=.5mv2
v=[tex]\sqrt{}2gh[/tex]

Just before collision:
v=[tex]\sqrt{}2*9.8*19.6[/tex]
v=19.6 m/s

Just after collision:
v=[tex]\sqrt{}2*9.8*4.9[/tex]
v=9.8 m/s

J=m(vafter-vbefore)=.5(9.8-19.6)=4.9 kg m/s

The answer is 14.7 N.s, so I'm not sure what I'm missing.
 
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  • #2


Well velocity is a vector - is this how you would subtract them?
 
  • #3


J=.5[9.8-(-19.6)]=14.7 kg m/s

Wow that was a stupid mistake, thanks!
 

1. What is the impulse of a falling ball under gravity?

The impulse of a falling ball under gravity is the product of its mass and its change in velocity over a specific period of time. It is a measure of the force applied to the ball when it hits a solid surface.

2. How is the impulse of a falling ball under gravity calculated?

The impulse of a falling ball under gravity can be calculated using the equation Impulse = mass x change in velocity. The change in velocity is typically measured in meters per second (m/s) and the impulse is measured in units of Newton-seconds (N-s).

3. What factors affect the impulse of a falling ball under gravity?

The impulse of a falling ball under gravity can be affected by various factors such as the mass and speed of the ball, the height from which it is dropped, the type of surface it lands on, and the angle at which it hits the surface.

4. How does the impulse of a falling ball under gravity affect the surface it lands on?

The impulse of a falling ball under gravity can cause a change in momentum and a force on the surface it lands on. This force can result in a dent, crack, or other damage to the surface, depending on the properties of the surface and the magnitude of the impulse.

5. Why is understanding the impulse of a falling ball under gravity important?

Understanding the impulse of a falling ball under gravity is important in various fields such as engineering, physics, and sports. It helps in predicting the impact force of objects and designing structures that can withstand such forces. It also explains the physical principles behind the motion of objects and how they interact with their surroundings.

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