Question

suppose a major league pitcher can throw a baseball at about 45 m/s (about 100mph). IF a baseball has a mass of .55kg. Suppose that the batter hits the ball straight back at the pitcher at 55 m/s. If the bat is in contact with the ball for only .055 second, what size force does the bat exert on the ball?

Answer 1

Force = (momentum change)/(contact time)
= (0.55)(45 + 55)/0.055 Newtons
= 900 N

(about 200 pounds force)