A 555 g ball strikes a wall at 14.9 m/s and rebounds at 12.1 m/s. The ball is in contact with the wall for 0.044 s. What is the magnitude of the average force acting on the ball during the collision?

The magnitude of the average force acting on the ball during the collision is 340.57 N

Explanation:

Force is given by rate of change of momentum.

Mass of bullet = 555 g = 0.555 kg

Initial velocity = 14.9 m/s

Final velocity = - 12.1 m/s - Opposite direction

Change in momentum = 0.555 x 14.9 - 0.555 x (-12.1)

Change in momentum = 14.985 kg m/s

Time taken = 0.044 s

Rate of change of momentum = Change in momentum : Time

Rate of change of momentum = 14.985 : 0.044

Rate of change of momentum = 340.57 N

Force = 340.57 N

The magnitude of the average force acting on the ball during the collision is 340.57 N