when a ball bounces, what actions and reaction forces do the ball and the ground exert

1 answer

When a ball bounces, there are two main actions and reaction forces at play: the force exerted by the ball on the ground (action force) and the force exerted by the ground on the ball (reaction force).

1. Action force by the ball on the ground: When the ball hits the ground, it exerts a downward force on the ground. This force is caused by the ball's weight and acceleration due to gravity. The ball compresses as it makes contact with the ground, and this deformation increases the force exerted on the ground.

2. Reaction force by the ground on the ball: As a response to the action force from the ball, the ground exerts an equal and opposite force on the ball. This reaction force propels the ball upwards into the air. The ground applies an upward force to the ball, causing it to bounce back.

Overall, the action force by the ball on the ground and the reaction force by the ground on the ball are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, following Newton's third law of motion.