What Is the Average Acceleration of a Super Ball Bouncing Off a Wall?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the average acceleration of a Super Ball that bounces off a wall, with specific values for mass, initial velocity, final velocity, and contact time provided. The subject area includes concepts of kinematics and dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to consider the direction of velocities when calculating acceleration. Some explore the relationship between force, mass, and momentum, while others question the initial setup and calculations presented by the original poster.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering insights on the importance of direction in velocity and suggesting alternative approaches to the problem. There is no explicit consensus yet, as various interpretations and methods are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the significance of the time interval during which the ball is in contact with the wall and the implications of changing direction on the calculations. The original poster's calculations are questioned, indicating potential misunderstandings in applying the relevant equations.

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Homework Statement


A 50.0 g Super Ball traveling at 28.0 m/s bounces off a brick wall and rebounds at 19.0 m/s. A high-speed camera records this event. If the ball is in contact with the wall for 3.50 ms, what is the magnitude of the average acceleration of the ball during this time interval? (Note: 1 ms = 10-3 s.)


Homework Equations


i used Vxf = Vxi + at


The Attempt at a Solution



I put vxf = 19, vxi = 28 and t = 3.50 ms and .0035, i get an answer of - 2.57 and -2571 (respectively) and made it positive since its the magnitude, but its wrong. Any ideas?
 
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You must account for the fact that the ball changes direction, and so the velocities before and after have different directions.
 
F=ma=dp/dt
 
Impulse = F * t = change in momentum = (mv1 - (- mv2)

F = average force
a = F/m

= (v1 +v2)/t
 

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