Question

when a bat hits a ball, what is the impulse?
the change in velocity multiplied by the force
the mass multiplied by the acceleration
the mass multiplied by the force
the force multiplied by the time the objects are in contact

Explanation:

To determine the correct option, recall the definition of impulse. Impulse (\(J\)) is defined as the product of the force (\(F\)) applied and the time (\(t\)) for which the force acts, i.e., \(J = F \times t\). Let's analyze each option:

• "the change in velocity multiplied by the force": This does not match the definition of impulse. Impulse is related to force and time, not change in velocity and force.
• "the mass multiplied by the acceleration": By Newton's second law, \(F = ma\), so this is the definition of force, not impulse.
• "the mass multiplied by the force": This is not a recognized physical quantity related to impulse.
• "the force multiplied by the time the objects are in contact": This matches the definition of impulse (\(J = F \times t\)).

Answer:

the force multiplied by the time the objects are in contact