A ball bounces on the ground. How do the ball and the ground act on each other? (1 point)
O The ball exerts a stronger force than the ground and in the opposite direction.
The ball and the ground exert forces on each other with equal magnitude and in the same direction.
O The ball exerts a stronger force than the ground but in the same direction.
The ball and the ground exert forces on each other with equal magnitude but in opposite directions.
The ball and the ground exert forces on each other with equal magnitude but in opposite directions.
Which one
The ball and the ground exert forces on each other with equal magnitude but in opposite directions.
The ball and the ground exert forces on each other with equal magnitude but in opposite directions.
The correct answer is: The ball and the ground exert forces on each other with equal magnitude but in opposite directions.
To understand why this is the correct answer, we need to consider Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
When the ball hits the ground, it applies a force to the ground, and at the same time, the ground applies an equal and opposite force back on the ball.
The ball exerts a force on the ground due to its weight and the speed at which it hits the ground. This force causes the ball to deform slightly upon impact.
Simultaneously, the ground exerts an equal and opposite force on the ball, known as the normal force. This force acts against the ball's weight and slows down its downward motion, effectively stopping it from sinking into the ground.
As the ball deforms, some of its kinetic energy is converted into potential energy, and when it reaches its maximum deformation, the potential energy is converted back into kinetic energy, causing the ball to bounce back up.
Therefore, both the ball and the ground exert forces on each other with equal magnitude but in opposite directions – the ball exerts a force downward on the ground, and the ground exerts an equal force upward on the ball.