Question

A friend throws a heavy ball toward you while you are standing on smooth ice. You can either catch the ball or deflect it back toward your friend. What should you do in order to maximize your speed right after your interaction with the ball?

a. You should catch the ball.
b. You should let the ball go past you without touching it.
c. You should deflect the ball back toward your friend.
d. More information is required to determine how to maximize your speed.
e. It doesn't matter. Your speed is the same regardless of what you do.

Answer 1

this problem willbe sort by using momentum

formula for momentum is p = m*v

m is the mass of the body and v is the speed of the body

if i catch the ball that would be a inelastic collision.then now ball and me moves with low speed than the initial speed of the ball.

if i thrown the ball back towards my friend the momentum of the ball surely increases and thereby increases the momentum of mine also

since mass of mine not changes.hence to increases the momentum my velocty shouls be increases which is the required condition

hence the correct answer is c. You should deflect the ball back toward your friend.