What is the change in momentum for a baseball striking a fence at a 45° angle?

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To calculate the change in momentum of a baseball striking a fence at a 45° angle, first determine the initial momentum using the formula (mass)(velocity) for the x-direction. The baseball, weighing 138 g and moving at 21.0 m/s, has its momentum entirely in the x-direction before impact. After striking the fence, it rebounds in the y-direction with the same speed, resulting in a change in momentum that can be expressed in unit vector notation. The problem primarily involves vector analysis rather than a deep understanding of momentum concepts. The final change in momentum can be found by calculating the difference between the initial and final momentum vectors.
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Homework Statement



A 138 g baseball, moving along the x-axis with speed 21.0 m/s, strikes a fence at a 45° angle and rebounds along the y-axis with unchanged speed. Give its change in momentum using unit vector notation.
_____ i + ______ j kg·m/s

Homework Equations



Momentum = (mass)(velocity)

The Attempt at a Solution



Honestly, our teacher hasn't taught us momentum, but gave us this assignment anyways. I'm really very confused. Any help would be great. :)
 
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Really all you need to use is conservation of momentum. The ball is going all in the x direction to start with, and then it is going all in the y direction. Figure out the difference between the components.
 
This has nothing to do with momentum- the problem is one of vectors, ie. a maths problem.

Draw or write the vector representing the initial and final momentae, then find the vector you need to add to the initial momentum vector to get the final momentum vector.
 

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