Consider two balls of identical mass falling from the same height. Which ball re

Question

Consider two balls of identical mass falling from the same height. Which ball receives a larger impulse from the ground? The first ball that hits the ground and instantly comes to rest, or the second ball that bounces nearly to the same height it was dropped from?

first ball (no bounce) receives greatest impulse

second ball (bounce) receives greatest impulse

both receive an equal amount of impulse

first ball (no bounce) receives greatest impulse

second ball (bounce) receives greatest impulse

both receive an equal amount of impulse

Explanation / Answer

1. B

Since being dropped from the same height, the balls will be moving with the same pre-collision velocity (assuming negligible air resistance). Upon collision with the ground, the velocity will have to be reduced to zero - that is, the ball will cease moving downwards. This decrease in velocity constitutes the first portion of the velocity change. If the ball bounces, then there is an additional velocity change sending the ball back upwards opposite the original direction. Thus, for the same collision time, bouncing involves a greater velocity change, a greater momentum change, and therefore a greater impulse.

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