How to Calculate the Time of Contact Between a Cricket Ball and a Bat

Question:

How can we calculate the time of contact between a cricket ball and a bat?

Answer:

To calculate the time of contact between a cricket ball and a bat, we can use the concept of impulse. Impulse is the change in momentum of an object, and it is given by the formula:

Impulse = Force x Time

In this case, the force exerted by the bat is 10800 N, and the change in momentum is the product of the mass (0.16 kg) and the initial velocity (30 m/s).

By rearranging the formula for impulse, we can find the time of contact:

Time = Impulse / Force

Substitute the known values into the equation:

Time = (0.16 kg x 30 m/s) / 10800 N

Solving this calculation gives us the time of contact:

Time = 0.000444 seconds

Therefore, the cricket ball was in contact with the bat for approximately 0.000444 seconds.