Two identical cricket balls are moving at towards a fielder
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Linear Momentum · Linear Momentum
Problem
Two identical cricket balls are moving at 12m/s towards a fielder. Ball P is caught and brought to rest in 0.50s, while Ball Q strikes a rigid wall and comes to rest in 0.05s. Which statement about the average force experienced by the two balls is correct?
(a) Ball P experiences the greater average force because its longer stopping time allows the force to act for longer.
(b) Both balls experience the same average force because they undergo identical changes in velocity.
(c) Ball Q experiences the greater average force because the same momentum change occurs in a shorter time.
(d) Ball Q experiences the smaller average force because the rigid wall absorbs some of its momentum.