If C is 1kg and D is 100kg, and the initial velocities of both balls are 5m/s, how would the magnitude of the forces exerted by each ball on the other during the collision compare?

Question

Heather Frye

Physics

3 July, 02:51

If C is 1kg and D is 100kg, and the initial velocities of both balls are 5m/s, how would the magnitude of the forces exerted by each ball on the other during the collision compare?

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Nola Osborne · Answer 1

The forces exerted by each mass is best understood in terms of their momentum.

Momentum is a sort of compelling force or impulse. It is given as:

Momentum = mass x velocity

Let us consider the momentum of the balls;

Substance C;

Mass = 1kg

Velocity = 5m/s

Momentum of C = 1 x 5 = 5kgm/s

Substance D:

Mass = 100kg

Velocity = 5m/s

Momentum of D = 100kg x 5m/s = 500kgm/s

Body D has a higher momentum compared to Body C. This suggests that body D will exert a higher force than C when they collide.

The higher the momentum, the more the force of impact it has.