A lump of clay is thrown at a wall.A rubber ball of identical mass is thrown with the same speed toward the same wall.Which statement is true?
A)The clay experiences a greater change in momentum than the ball.
B)The ball experiences a greater change in momentum than the clay.
C)The clay and the ball experience the same change in momentum.
D)It is not possible to know which object has the greater change in momentum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ball experiences a greater change in momentum because it bounces back, reversing its velocity, while the clay sticks to the wall, stopping its motion. The change in momentum is greater for the ball as it involves a reversal of direction.

A Lump of Clay Is Thrown at a Wall