Question

when the soccer ball comes in contact with the ground it bounces back up. why does that happen? (1 point)
the ground pushes back with equal force but in the opposite direction. the ball bounces because the mass of the ball is less than the mass of the earth.
the ground pushes back with equal force but in the opposite direction. the ball bounces because the mass of the ball is greater than the mass of the earth.
the ground pushes back with equal force but in the same direction. the ball bounces because the mass of the ball is greater than the mass of the earth.
the ground pushes back with equal force but in the opposite direction. the ball bounces because the mass of the ball is equal to the mass of the earth.

Explanation:

To solve this, we use Newton's Third Law (action - reaction). When the ball hits the ground (action force), the ground exerts an equal and opposite force (reaction force). Also, the ball bounces because its mass is much less than Earth's mass, so the Earth's large mass means it doesn't move significantly, and the reaction force makes the ball bounce. Let's analyze each option:

• Option 1: Says the ground pushes back with equal force opposite direction and ball's mass < Earth's mass. This matches Newton's Third Law and the mass relationship (ball is light, so it moves when force is applied).
• Option 2: Claims ball's mass > Earth's mass, which is false (Earth is way more massive).
• Option 3: Says ground pushes in same direction, which violates Newton's Third Law (reaction force is opposite). Also, ball's mass > Earth's mass is false.
• Option 4: Claims ball's mass = Earth's mass, which is false.

Answer:

The ground pushes back with equal force but in the opposite direction. The ball bounces because the mass of the ball is less than the mass of the Earth.