Question about the average force?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating average force during an elastic collision, specifically when a ball is thrown at a wall. The key equation presented is ΔP = FΔT, leading to F = ΔP / ΔT. In the case of an elastic collision, the change in momentum (ΔP) is zero when considering the initial and final momentum as equal. However, the author clarifies that the force exerted on the wall can still be determined by recognizing that the change in momentum is actually 2*P, accounting for the reversal of direction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of momentum and its vector nature
  • Familiarity with elastic collisions in physics
  • Knowledge of the average force equation (F = ΔP / ΔT)
  • Basic grasp of time intervals in physics (ΔT)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of elastic and inelastic collisions
  • Learn about momentum conservation in various collision scenarios
  • Explore advanced topics in vector analysis related to momentum
  • Investigate real-world applications of average force calculations
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of collisions and force calculations in mechanics.

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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