How Does Momentum Change When a Ball Bounces Off a Wall?

In summary, the change in momentum when a ball is rolled into a wall and bounces back at the same speed can be calculated by taking the final momentum and subtracting the initial momentum, resulting in a magnitude of 2 times the initial momentum. The direction of the momentum depends on the chosen direction of positive.
  • #1
yamugushi
23
0
1. Homework Statement
A ball is rolled into a wall and bounces back at the same speed, the change in momentum is?

2. Homework Equations
Ein = Eout

3. The Attempt at a Solution
I thought it was m(v) but I got it wrong (doing test corrections ATM)

Note I'm having trouble editing, so I made a new thread, I am not trying to spam.
 
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  • #2
If the velocity before impact is v, what is the velocity after impact?

(remember, velocity is a vector quantity, so direction is important)
 
  • #3
So it's be -mv... but there aren't any negative answers:
I have
0
1.5
.5
2
and what I answered MV (all above are times MV as well)
 
  • #4
yamugushi said:
So it's be -mv... but there aren't any negative answers:

So momentum before is mv, and momentum after is -mv, so that change in momentum is ?
 
  • #5
2mv?
 
  • #6
yamugushi said:
2mv?

is that one of the answers?
 
  • #7
rock.freak667 said:
is that one of the answers?

yes, the answers were:
0mv
1mv
1.5mv
.5mv
2mv
 
  • #8
Just to note:

The original velocity must have been negative. The initial momentum was [tex] P_1=-mv[/tex].
Following the bounce, the final momentum is [tex] P_2=mv[/tex].
Hence the positive answer: P2-P1=2mv
Either way the magnitudes are the same.
 
  • #9
Winzer said:
Just to note:

The original velocity must have been negative. The initial momentum was [tex] P_1=-mv[/tex].
Following the bounce, the final momentum is [tex] P_2=mv[/tex].
Hence the positive answer: P2-P1=2mv
Either way the magnitudes are the same.

Yes the magnitudes are the same, but it didn't have to be negative. It depends on the direction you choose as positive.
 

FAQ: How Does Momentum Change When a Ball Bounces Off a Wall?

What is the definition of momentum?

Momentum is a measure of an object's motion, calculated by multiplying its mass by its velocity.

How is momentum related to the change in velocity of a ball?

Momentum is directly proportional to an object's velocity, meaning that as an object's velocity changes, its momentum also changes.

Can the momentum of a ball change without a change in its velocity?

No, the momentum of a ball can only change if there is a change in its velocity. This change in velocity can be caused by external forces, such as collisions or gravity.

What is the relationship between the change in momentum and the force acting on a ball?

According to Newton's second law of motion, the change in momentum of a ball is directly proportional to the force applied to it. This means that a greater force will result in a larger change in momentum.

How does the mass of a ball affect its momentum?

The momentum of a ball is directly proportional to its mass. This means that a ball with a greater mass will have a greater momentum, assuming all other factors (such as velocity) are constant.

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