Trouble with question - Catching a baseball & momentum

  • Thread starter Thread starter CougarPride
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Baseball Momentum
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating momentum, impulse, and force related to a baseball catch scenario. The momentum of a 0.5 kg baseball traveling at 35 m/s is correctly calculated as 17.5 kg·m/s. The impulse required to stop the ball is also 17.5 kg·m/s, as impulse equals momentum when acceleration is constant. The final part of the question involves determining the force applied to the glove when the ball is in contact for 0.5 seconds, which is calculated as 35 N, correcting the initial mislabeling of units.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of momentum and impulse concepts in physics
  • Familiarity with the formula for calculating force (F = m*a)
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, specifically between kilograms and Newtons
  • Basic grasp of kinematics and dynamics principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between impulse and momentum in physics
  • Learn about the units of measurement in physics, particularly Newtons and kilograms
  • Explore examples of force calculations in different physical scenarios
  • Review kinematic equations and their applications in real-world problems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of momentum and force in sports contexts.

CougarPride
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Trouble with question -- Catching a baseball & momentum

There are three parts to this question, and I am stuck on the last part. The question reads as follows:
a) A pitched ball with a mass of 0.5kg reaches a catchers glove traveling at 35m/s. How much momentum does the ball have?
My answer: Momentum = m(v) (0.5)(35) = 17.5 kgm/s

b) How much impulse is required to stop the ball?

The way I answered this question is that impulse and momentum equal each other when the acceleration is constant, or doesn't change. So I said the impulse equals 17.5 Kgm/s as well.


c) If the ball is in contact with the glove for 0.5 before its motion is stopped, how much force is applied to the glove?

This is the question I am stuck on. I believe my answer is wrong, but this is the way I answered it:
Impulse = F(t) 17.5 Kgm/s = F(0.5)
17.5/0.5 = F = 35 Kgm/s2


I honestly feel like my answer to this third part is wrong. And I am having a really hard time with it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your answer is essentially correct. But there are a couple of things that are wrong. First, there is no such unit as "Kg". It is either "kg" or "kilogram". Second, force is measured in Newtons.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K