Question about the average force?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating average force during an elastic collision, specifically when a ball is thrown at a wall. It highlights that while the change in momentum (ΔP) is zero for the system as a whole, a force is still exerted on the wall. The key point is that the momentum change should account for the reversal of direction, resulting in a total change of momentum of 2*P. This emphasizes the importance of considering both magnitude and direction in vector quantities. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurately determining forces in elastic collisions.
zeromodz
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Okay we all know that the average force equation is

ΔP = FΔT
F = ΔP / ΔT


Say I throw a ball at the wall and it has and the collision is elastic. Therefore, the initial momentum equals the final momentum and therefore.

ΔP = 0

I still know that there is a force exerted on the wall, but how do I find it if ΔP = 0?
 
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Don't forget that momentum is a vector quantity. So if it hits the wall with momentum magnitude P, the change in momentum is 2*P , to account for the reverse in direction.

Hope this helps,

Simon
 
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