PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Force and Laws of Motion · Force and Laws of Motion
Problem
The linear momentum of a 0.20kg ball moving along the x-axis was measured at five equally spaced times, producing the data table below.
Time t(s) 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0
Momentum p(kg⋅m/s) 1.6 0.4 0.4 1.6 4.0
Between the listed instants the momentum varies smoothly but not linearly.
(1) Using the data, calculate the average net external force that acted on the ball during the interval 1.0 s ≤ t ≤ 5.0 s.
(2) Indicate the direction of the average force found in part (a) relative to the +x axis.
(3) Estimate the instantaneous net external force at t=3.0s by calculating the slope of the line joining the data points at 2.0 s and 4.0 s. Explain how this instantaneous force compares with the average force determined in part (a).