Reaction force direction during reflection

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the direction of the reaction force exerted on a wall when an object collides with it at an angle and reflects. Participants explore the relationship between the object's momentum before and after the impact and how it influences the force direction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the reaction force direction is represented by a red or green line, seeking explanations for each case.
  • Another participant asserts that neither direction is correct, prompting further inquiry into the actual direction of the reaction force.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of analyzing the changes in horizontal and vertical momentum to understand the force direction.
  • Another participant suggests that the direction of the force on the wall may depend on the strength of the object's reflection and its momentum change.
  • One participant agrees that the direction of the force relates to the momentum vectors of the object before and after the collision.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct direction of the reaction force, with no consensus reached on the matter. Some participants propose that the force direction is contingent on momentum changes, while others challenge the initial assumptions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks clarity on specific definitions of force direction and does not resolve the assumptions regarding the strength of the object's reflection or the nature of the collision.

bnvbnv
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I have a simple question let's say object hits the wall at angle and reflect. Will reaction force from that impact exerted on wall be red line or green line ? ( I would like explanation why in each case)

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Neither.
 
So what will be the direction of reaction force?
 
How did the momentum of the object change from before to after the reflection?
 
To add to olivermsun, look specifically at the change in the horizontal momentum and the change in the vertical momentum. What does that tell you about the force?
 
Reflection and force direction

Let's say object hits a wall. When the object is reflected does the direction of the force caused on the wall looks like the red arrow ? Does that direction depends on how "strong" object is reflected?

StTDgso.png
 
bnvbnv said:
Let's say object hits a wall. When the object is reflected does the direction of the force caused on the wall looks like the red arrow ?
Yes, if the green arrows represent the momentum vectors of the object, before and negated after the collision.

bnvbnv said:
Does that direction depends on how "strong" object is reflected?
It depends on how the momentum of the object changes, just as your diagram shows.
 

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