Momentum Conservation: Ball & Wall Impact

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SUMMARY

The momentum of a ball at the moment of contact with a wall is definitively zero, as all particles of the ball reach a state of zero velocity during full compression. This scenario assumes a perfectly uniform ball, where the instant of maximum compression occurs just before the rebound begins. The discussion emphasizes that while the ball may impart some momentum to the wall, at the precise moment of full compression, the ball's momentum is zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly momentum and velocity.
  • Familiarity with the principles of elastic and inelastic collisions.
  • Knowledge of uniform material properties in physics.
  • Basic comprehension of particle behavior in solid objects.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of elastic collisions and their impact on momentum conservation.
  • Explore the concept of particle velocity in solid mechanics.
  • Study the effects of compression on momentum in various materials.
  • Learn about the mathematical modeling of collisions in physics.
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Physics students, educators, and professionals interested in mechanics, particularly those studying momentum conservation and collision dynamics.

Hannah7h
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What is the momentum of a ball at the exact point where it comes into contact with a wall?
 
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Assume that the ball is so uniform that there is an instant of time when all particles of the ball have come to a zero velocity, fully compressed, and about to rebound. At that instant the momentum is 0. (I am ignoring the velocity that the ball imparts to the wall. Otherwise, there is some tiny momentum at the time of full compression and particles of the ball will not have 0 velocity till a small amount of rebound has begun.)
 
FactChecker said:
Assume that the ball is so uniform that there is an instant of time when all particles of the ball have come to a zero velocity, fully compressed, and about to rebound. At that instant the momentum is 0.

Thank you!
 

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