Case Study:

During a cricket practice session, two players hit the same ball delivered at identical speed. Player A uses a short, quick tap, while Player B follows through with a longer swing after hitting the ball. Observations show that Player B’s shot sends the ball much farther than Player A’s, even though both applied force using the same bat.

On closer analysis, it is found that the time of contact between the bat and ball is longer in Player B’s shot. The mass of the cricket ball remains constant, but the change in velocity (from incoming to outgoing direction) is significantly higher in Player B’s case. According to the second Law of Motion, force depends on the rate of change of momentum.

If you’re finding these concepts a bit tricky, you might want to check out this guide on Newton’s Laws of Motion made easy with daily life examples or dive deeper into the difference between balanced and unbalanced forces to see how they impact a moving ball.

In Player B’s shot, the bat remains in contact with the ball for a longer duration, allowing a greater change in momentum. This results in a higher applied force, which propels the ball farther.

This raises an important question: How does increasing contact time during impact influence the force applied and the motion of the ball?

CASE-BASED QUESTIONS

MCQ

Q1. Which factor primarily causes the ball to travel farther in Player B’s shot?
A. Increased mass of the bat
B. Increased contact time with the ball
C. Decreased speed of the ball
D. Increased air resistance

Q2.  According to the second Law of Motion, force is directly proportional to:
A. Time of contact only
B. Mass only
C. Rate of change of momentum
D. Velocity only

Assertion - Reason

Q3. Assertion (A): Player B applies greater force on the ball than Player A.
Reason (R): Increasing the contact time increases the change in momentum.

A. Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A
B. Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
C. A is true, R is false
D. A is false, R is true

Application-Based

Q4. If Player A increases the swing time while hitting the ball, what change will most likely occur?
a) Ball will move slower
b) Ball will travel a longer distance
c) Ball mass will increase
d) No change will occur

Q5. Two balls of equal mass are hit with the same force, but one is in contact with the bat for a longer time. Which statement is correct?
a) Both will travel equal distances
b) Ball with longer contact time will have greater velocity
c) Ball with shorter contact time will travel farther
d) Contact time does not affect motion

Data/Logic-Based

Q6. If the change in momentum of a ball is doubled while the contact time remains the same, what happens to the force applied?
A. Force becomes half
B. Force remains same
C. Force doubles
D. Force becomes zero

ANSWER KEY WITH EXPLANATION

A1. B - Longer contact time allows greater change in momentum, increasing force applied as per second Law of Motion.

This is the same principle that keeps us safe on the road; for instance, see how seatbelts save lives by explaining inertia.

A2. C - Force = rate of change of momentum (F = Δp / t), as per NCERT.

A3. A - Both statements are correct. Increased contact time increases momentum change, leading to greater force.

A4. b - Longer swing increases contact time -> greater momentum change -> ball travels farther.

A5. b - Longer contact time allows greater impulse, increasing velocity.

A6. C - Force is directly proportional to change in momentum. Doubling momentum change doubles force.

Ready to ace your Physics exam? Challenge yourself with our Class 9 Physics worksheets, or get exam-ready by practicing with these solved and unsolved practice papers.

HOTS EXTENSION QUESTIONS

1. If a cricketer wants to maximize the distance of the shot without increasing force, what strategy should they use based on physics principles?

2. Predict what will happen if the ball is heavier but the same swing technique is used. How will it affect the force and distance?

Cricket is full of physics! Beyond the swing, you can also explore momentum conservation and why cricketers wear gloves to protect their hands during a catch.

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