A 0.2-kilogram softball is thrown toward a catcher’s mitt. The ball is accelerating at a rate of 8 meters per second squared. With what force will the ball hit the catcher’s mitt?

Question

1.6 N

8.2 N

40 N

7.8 N

Answer 1

To calculate the force exerted by the softball, you can use Newton's second law of motion, which states:

\[ F = m \cdot a \]

where:

• \( F \) is the force,
• \( m \) is the mass of the object,
• \( a \) is the acceleration.

In this case:

• The mass \( m \) of the softball is 0.2 kg,
• The acceleration \( a \) of the softball is 8 m/s².

Now, plug the values into the formula:

\[ F = 0.2 , \text{kg} \times 8 , \text{m/s}^2 \]

\[ F = 1.6 , \text{N} \]

So, the force with which the ball will hit the catcher’s mitt is 1.6 N.