Velocity dependent forces problem

In summary, The time-averaged force acting upon the ball during a collision can be found by using the change of momentum and time of contact. This force will be practically infinite due to the very short contact time. In terms of collision theory and impact analysis, when collisions occur quickly, an impulse can be used to describe the force, which is equal to the change in momentum. Alternatively, if the change in momentum and time of contact are known, the force can be calculated by dividing the two.
  • #1
retupmoc
50
0
I know of velocity dependent forces and the like but have a problem in grasping a problem I've been thinking over for the past few days although i know the answer is really simple. For exampe when a ball hits a wall at speed V, say how do i work out the force. Is it just by using the change of momentum and time of contact?
 
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  • #2
The time-averaged force acting upon the ball can be found in the manner you described.
Notice that this force will be practically infinite, since the contact time is practically zero!

What do you know of collision theory/impact analysis?
 
  • #3
When collisions happen very quickly we tend to talk of an impulse. Defined as a force multiplied by a time, an impulse is equal to the change of momentum (simply N2 rearranged).

If however you know the change of momentum and the time of contact you can work out the force, as force is dp/dt so just divide the two and you have the force.
 

1. What is a velocity dependent force?

A velocity dependent force is a force that is influenced by the velocity of an object. This means that the magnitude and direction of the force may change based on the object's velocity.

2. How is a velocity dependent force different from a regular force?

A regular force, also known as a conservative force, does not depend on the object's velocity and is only influenced by the object's position. A velocity dependent force, on the other hand, is also influenced by the object's velocity.

3. What are some examples of velocity dependent forces?

Examples of velocity dependent forces include friction, air resistance, and drag force. These forces all increase as the object's velocity increases, and decrease as the object's velocity decreases.

4. How do velocity dependent forces affect an object's motion?

Velocity dependent forces can cause an object to accelerate or decelerate depending on the direction of the force. For example, friction can slow down an object's motion, while a drag force can cause an object to move faster in the opposite direction.

5. How can velocity dependent forces be calculated?

Velocity dependent forces can be calculated using the equation F = ma, where F is the net force, m is the mass of the object, and a is the object's acceleration. The acceleration is determined by the object's velocity, and therefore, the velocity dependent force can be calculated using this equation.

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