You are standing on a skateboard, initially at rest. A friend throws a very heavy ball towards you. You have two choices about what to do with the ball: either catch the ball or deflect it back toward
Your friend with the same speed as it was originally thrown. Which choice should you make in
Order to maximize your speed on the skateboard?
A) Deflect the ball back.
B) Catch the ball.
C) Your final speed on the skateboard will be the same regardless whether you catch the ball or deflect the ball.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deflecting the ball back imparts a greater change in momentum compared to just catching it. According to Newton's third law, this action-reaction pair results in a larger force applied over the time of interaction, thus giving you a greater speed on the skateboard.

You Are Standing on a Skateboard, Initially at Rest