Find the magnitude of the momentum change of the ball?

In summary, the conversation discusses a 2D momentum problem with an elastic collision. The vector diagrams show that the momentum does not change in the y direction, but does change in the x direction. The magnitude of the momentum change can be calculated using the equation Delta p = -2mvcos theta. The conversation ends with a question about whether the calculation was done correctly.
  • #1
paulimerci
287
47
Homework Statement
A tennis ball of mass m rebounds from a racquet with the same speed v as it had
initially as shown. The magnitude of the momentum change of the ball is
(A) 0 (B) 2mv (C) 2mv sin theta (D) 2mv cos theta
Relevant Equations
Conservation of momentum
I understand that it is a 2D momentum problem with an elastic collision;
Looking at the vector diagrams below, I notice that the velocity vectors initial and final in the y direction are in the same direction, indicating that momentum does not change, whereas the velocity vectors initial and final in the x direction are opposite each other, indicating that momentum does change.
Therfore,
$$ \Delta p = p_f - p_i$$
$$ = -mvcos\theta -mvcos\theta$$
$$ \Delta p = -2mvcos\theta$$

Have I done it right?
 

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  • #2
paulimerci said:
Homework Statement:: A tennis ball of mass m rebounds from a racquet with the same speed v as it had
initially as shown. The magnitude of the momentum change of the ball is
(A) 0 (B) 2mv (C) 2mv sin theta (D) 2mv cos theta
Relevant Equations:: Conservation of momentum

I understand that it is a 2D momentum problem with an elastic collision;
Looking at the vector diagrams below, I notice that the velocity vectors initial and final in the y direction are in the same direction, indicating that momentum does not change, whereas the velocity vectors initial and final in the x direction are opposite each other, indicating that momentum does change.
Therfore,
$$ \Delta p = p_f - p_i$$
$$ = -mvcos\theta -mvcos\theta$$
$$ \Delta p = -2mvcos\theta$$

Have I done it right?
Looks good.
 
  • #3
TSny said:
Looks good.
Thank you!
 

FAQ: Find the magnitude of the momentum change of the ball?

What is momentum change?

Momentum change refers to the difference in the momentum of an object before and after an event, such as a collision or force application. It is calculated as the final momentum minus the initial momentum.

How do you calculate the magnitude of the momentum change?

The magnitude of the momentum change can be calculated using the formula: |Δp| = |p_final - p_initial|, where p represents momentum. Momentum itself is the product of mass and velocity (p = m*v).

What units are used for momentum and momentum change?

Momentum and momentum change are typically measured in kilogram meters per second (kg·m/s) in the International System of Units (SI).

Does the direction of the ball's movement affect the momentum change calculation?

Yes, momentum is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. When calculating the momentum change, both the magnitude and direction of the initial and final momenta must be considered.

Can you provide an example of calculating the momentum change of a ball?

Sure! If a 2 kg ball is moving at 3 m/s and then is struck to move in the opposite direction at 4 m/s, the initial momentum is 2 kg * 3 m/s = 6 kg·m/s. The final momentum is 2 kg * (-4 m/s) = -8 kg·m/s. The magnitude of the momentum change is |Δp| = | -8 kg·m/s - 6 kg·m/s | = | -14 kg·m/s | = 14 kg·m/s.

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