The change in momentum that occurs when a 1.0 kg ball traveling at 4.0 m/s strikes a wall and bounces back at 2.0 m/s is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The change in momentum of an object is given by the formula:

Δp = p(final) - p(initial)

where p is the momentum.

Initial momentum = 1.0 kg x 4.0 m/s = 4.0 kg m/s (the ball is moving to the right)

Final momentum = 1.0 kg x (-2.0 m/s) = -2.0 kg m/s (the ball is moving to the left)

Δp = -2.0 kg m/s - 4.0 kg m/s = -6.0 kg m/s

Since the ball is bouncing off the wall and changing its direction, the change in momentum has a negative sign. The magnitude of the change in momentum is 6.0 kg m/s. Therefore, the best choice is C)6 kg m/s.

The Change in Momentum That Occurs When a 1