A Ball Hits a Wall Elastically A ball of mass m moving with velocity vi strikes

Question

A Ball Hits a Wall Elastically A ball of mass m moving with velocity vi strikes a vertical wall as shown in (Figure 1). The angle between the ball's initial velocity vector and the wall is theta i as shown on the diagram, which depicts the situation as seen from above. The duration of the collision between the ball and the wall is delta t, and this collision is completely elastic. Friction is negligible, so the ball does not start spinning. In this idealized collision. the force exerted on the ball by the wall is parallel to the x axis. Part A What is the final angle theta f that the ball's velocity vector makes with the negative y axis?

Explanation / Answer

In the case of one object hits another and bounces off of it, the angle of deflection is the same as the initial angle. It is similar behavior that the refrection of property of light.In the case of beam of light shines the mirror at some angle, it will reflect off the mirror at the same angle with which it hit the mirror. For the case of physical objects, the behavior is the same.

Thus, the final angle  f of ball is equal to initial angle i

     f  = i

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