A ball bounces on the ground. how do the ball and the ground act on each other

1 answer

When a ball bounces on the ground, the ball and the ground exert forces on each other.

1. The ball exerts a downward force on the ground due to its weight, which is the force of gravity pulling it towards the Earth.
2. Simultaneously, the ground exerts an upward force on the ball called the normal force. The normal force counteracts the weight of the ball and prevents it from sinking into the ground.
3. As the ball hits the ground, it compresses, deforming its shape. This compression generates an upward force from the ground, known as the reactive force or the force of compression. This force propels the ball back into the air.
4. The ball also exerts an equal and opposite reactive force on the ground. This reaction force pushes the ground in the opposite direction of the ball's initial motion.

These forces allow the ball to rebound and bounce off the ground, resulting in the ball's upward motion.