Pool Ball Impulse: Calculating Speed After Impact

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In summary, the conversation is about calculating the speed of a pool ball after being struck by a cue stick with a force of 51N over a time of 12ms. The ball has a mass of 0.22kg and the question is how to use these values to determine the ball's speed. One approach suggested is to use the equation for change in momentum, while another mentions using Newton's equations of motion.
  • #1
alanm
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Hi All,
can some one please help with this.

a cue stick strikes a stationary pool ball with an average force of 51N over a time of 12ms. the ball has a mass of 0.22kg, what speed does the ball have just after impact/

I am struggling with this.

thanks
 
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  • #2
alanm said:
Hi All,
can some one please help with this.

a cue stick strikes a stationary pool ball with an average force of 51N over a time of 12ms. the ball has a mass of 0.22kg, what speed does the ball have just after impact?

If this is a homework question, this post should go over in the homework section. But with that said...

The force and the mass are sufficient to calculate the acceleration of the ball as the cue stick applies force to it. You know how long the acceleration lasts, and that will allow you to calculate the speed at the end of the acceleration.

(Note that this answer assumes that by "just after impact" you mean just after the impact is finished, at the end of the 12 ms period. If you mean just after the start of the impact when the cue stick first touches the ball at the beginning of the 12 ms period, then the answer is "zero because the ball is still stationary", just about to start moving. Only an evil professor with a wicked sense of humor would pose such a deceptive trick question... but such do exist).
 
  • #3
You're probably supposed to use the fact that change in momentum = force x time (impulse).
 
  • #4
Wow! I played in the world finals in Las Vegas 5 years in a row, and I have no idea as to your problem. It's just something that you feel.
 
  • #5
Newton and the equations of motion..

f=ma
v=u+at

substitute.
 

1. How do you calculate the speed of a pool ball after impact?

The speed of a pool ball after impact can be calculated using the equation: v2 = v1 * (m1-m2)/(m1+m2), where v1 is the initial speed of the ball, m1 is the mass of the first ball, and m2 is the mass of the second ball.

2. Why is it important to calculate the speed of a pool ball after impact?

Calculating the speed of a pool ball after impact is important because it allows us to understand the energy transfer and resulting motion of the balls on the pool table. This information can be used to predict the path of the balls and improve one's playing strategy.

3. Are there any other factors that can affect the speed of a pool ball after impact?

Yes, there are several other factors that can affect the speed of a pool ball after impact. These include the angle of impact, the type of ball used, and the friction of the pool table surface. These factors can alter the energy transfer and ultimately impact the final speed of the ball.

4. Can the speed of a pool ball after impact be greater than the initial speed?

No, the speed of a pool ball after impact cannot be greater than the initial speed. According to the law of conservation of momentum, the total momentum of the system remains constant. This means that the combined speed of the two balls after impact cannot exceed their initial combined speed.

5. How does the speed of a pool ball after impact affect the outcome of a game?

The speed of a pool ball after impact can greatly affect the outcome of a game. It can determine whether a ball makes it into a pocket or not, and also influence the position of other balls on the table. Additionally, a player's ability to accurately predict and control the speed of the balls after impact can greatly impact their success in the game.

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