A table-tennis ball that hits a player during a game does not hurt him, but a fast-moving cricket ball that hits a spectator may hurt him. Which of the following statements explains this observation?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → The momentum of the cricket ball is higher than that of the table-tennis ball.
The impact of a moving body depends on its momentum, \(p = mv\), the product of its mass and velocity. A cricket ball is much heavier than a table-tennis ball and here it is also moving fast, so its momentum is much larger. Stopping it needs a much larger force on the body it hits, and that hurts.