Physics

To find the magnitude of the change in the ball's momentum during its upward and downward motion, let's break it down.

 

Given:

Mass of the ball:

Initial speed:

Gravitational acceleration:

 

Determine the velocity at the highest point

At the highest point, the velocity becomes zero. This is because gravity gradually slows down the ball as it moves upward until it reaches the peak.

 

Final velocity at the point where the ball returns to the original height

Since the motion is symmetric (neglecting air resistance), the velocity when the ball returns to the same height will be equal in magnitude to the initial velocity, but in the opposite direction. Therefore, the final velocity when the ball reaches the point of release again is:

 

Calculate the change in momentum

Momentum

Click "Show Answer" to reveal the answer and analysis