# Math Help - Magnitude of average force

1. ## Magnitude of average force

This problem probably isn't as hard as it looks but I'm not sure where to begin. I'm thinking of using FdeltaT = MdeltaV, but I guess I'm getting tripped up on how the angles affect this problem.

2. No ideas, I guess this problem is a tank. I'll keep messing around with it and post updates if I have any breakthroughs.

3. Originally Posted by vesperka

This problem probably isn't as hard as it looks but I'm not sure where to begin. I'm thinking of using FdeltaT = MdeltaV, but I guess I'm getting tripped up on how the angles affect this problem.
Do you recall something called the "impulse - momentum" theorem?
$\vec{J} = \vec{F_{ave}} \Delta t = \Delta \vec{p}$

So find the change in momentum of the ball and divide it by the time over which the impact occurred. That will be your average force.

-Dan

4. Meh, got it. Just used the equation like I said, but I had to find the component vectors to find change in velocity. Really an easy problem if I didn't panic about seeing angles involved with everything.

5. Originally Posted by vesperka
Meh, got it. Just used the equation like I said, but I had to find the component vectors to find change in velocity. Really an easy problem if I didn't panic about seeing angles involved with everything.
This is a rough change in momentum to calculate if you haven't done it before. (pats vesperka on the back.)

-Dan