A 0.60-kilogram softball initially at rest is hit with a bat. The ball is in contact with the bat for 0.20 second and leaves the bat with a speed of 25 meters per second. What is the magnitude of the average force exerted by the ball on the bat?

a. 15 N

b. 3.0 N

c. 75 N

d. 8.3 N

c. 75 N

Explanation:

Force: This can be defined as the product of mass and the acceleration of a body. The S. I unit of Force is Newton (N).

From Newton's Fundamental equation of kinematic,

F = ma ... Equation 1

Where F = Force exerted by the ball on the bat, m = mass of the ball, a = acceleration.

From motion,

a = (v-u) / t ... Equation 2

Where v = final velocity, u = initial velocity, t = time.

Given: v = 25 m/s, u = 0 m/s (at rest), t = 0.20 s.

Substitute into equation 2

a = (25-0) / 0.20

a = 125 m/s².

Also given: m = 0.60 kg.

Substitute into equation 1

F = 0.6 (125)

F = 75 N.

Hence the force exerted by the ball on the bat = 75 N,

The right option is c. 75 N