What average force is applied to a steel ball during a collision lasting 2.00 × 10⁻³ s, if the impulse is 8.85 kg•m/s?

To determine the average force applied to the steel ball during the collision, we can use the relationship between impulse, force, and time given by the impulse-momentum theorem. This theorem states that impulse is equal to the average force multiplied by the duration of the collision.

Mathematically, this can be expressed as:

Impulse = Average Force × Time

From this formula, we can solve for the average force:

Average Force = Impulse / Time

Given the values:

• Impulse = 8.85 kg•m/s

• Time = 2.00 × 10⁻³ s

Plugging in these values, we have:

Average Force = 8.85 kg•m/s / (2.00 × 10⁻³ s)

Now, performing the calculation yields:

Average Force = 8.85 kg•m/s / 0.002 s = 4425 N

Rounded to two significant figures, this gives us approximately 4.43 × 10³ N, confirming that this is indeed the average force applied during the collision. Thus, the choice aligned with this calculation is the correct option.

Understanding this relationship helps in grasping concepts relating to collisions and forces in physics, as impulse