What is the Correct Way to Calculate Average Force of Impulse?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the average force of impulse experienced by a baseball when it is hit, with specific values provided for mass, initial and final velocities, and contact time with the bat. The subject area is physics, specifically focusing on concepts related to impulse and momentum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the impulse-momentum equation but expresses uncertainty about their calculations, particularly regarding the change in velocity. Other participants question the validity of the original poster's concerns and affirm the correctness of their approach.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing supportive feedback on the original poster's understanding of the impulse-momentum relationship. There is a recognition of potential issues with the online system used for submission, but no consensus has been reached regarding the correctness of the answer.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that the online system indicated their answer was incorrect despite their calculations appearing correct. There is also a consideration of significant figures and the interpretation of the answer as a magnitude.

Psych Berry
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I can't seem to master this equation, because I think I'm doing things right and I'm not.

Homework Statement


When a 410 baseball gram is hit, its velocity changes from +28.87 m/s to -22.34 m/s. The baseball is in contact with the bat for 56.10 milliseconds. You may assume that the balls outward velocity is antiparallel to its incoming velocity.

What is the magnitude of the average force on the ball?


Homework Equations


FΔt = mΔv


The Attempt at a Solution


(0.410 kg)(-22.34 m/s - 28.87 m/s)/(0.0561 s) = F
374.3 N = F
But this isn't correct.

I messed up Δv before, did I do it again?
 
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Looks OK to me. Why do you say it's wrong?
 
Doc Al said:
Looks OK to me. Why do you say it's wrong?

It's an online pre-assignment, said my answer was incorrect. I tried playing around with sig figs and signs (in case the question forgot it's supposed to be magnitude), but I've tried 5 times and haven't been able to get it correct.
 
Those online systems can be flaky. But there's nothing wrong with your understanding of that impulse-momentum equation.
 
Doc Al said:
Those online systems can be flaky. But there's nothing wrong with your understanding of that impulse-momentum equation.

That's definitely true, thanks! I for sure trust your physics judgment over the program's.
 

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