A 0.41 kg football that is initially at rest acquires a velocity of 35 m/s when it is kicked. If the kicker's boot remains in contact with the ball for 0.08 s, what is the average force of the kick?
To find the average force of the kick, we can use Newton's second law of motion, which states that force (F) is equal to mass (m) multiplied by acceleration (a):
F = m * a
In this case, the mass of the football is given as 0.41 kg, and we need to find the acceleration. The acceleration can be calculated using the equation:
a = (v - u) / t
where:
- v is the final velocity (35 m/s)
- u is the initial velocity (0 m/s)
- t is the time taken (0.08 s)
Substituting the given values, we have:
a = (35 m/s - 0 m/s) / 0.08 s
a = 35 m/s / 0.08 s
a = 437.5 m/s^2
Now that we have the acceleration, we can calculate the average force of the kick:
F = m * a
F = 0.41 kg * 437.5 m/s^2
F = 179.375 N
Therefore, the average force of the kick is approximately 179.375 Newtons.