Question

a pitcher throws a ball toward a player holding a softball bat. the player uses the bat to hit the ball. the bat applies a 10-newton force to the ball. which statement correctly describes the reaction force between the bat and ball? a. the reaction force is the force that causes the ball to move toward the bat. b. the reaction force is the force applied to the bat by the player holding the bat. c. the reaction force is the force that pulls the ball toward the ground. d. the reaction force is the force of the ball on the bat.

Explanation:

To solve this, we use Newton's Third Law of Motion, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The action force is the force the bat applies to the ball. The reaction force should be the force the ball applies back to the bat, as forces occur in pairs between two interacting objects.

• Option A: The force causing the ball to move toward the bat is the action force (bat on ball), not the reaction. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The force applied to the bat by the player is a different force (from player to bat), not the reaction to the bat - ball interaction. Eliminate B.
• Option C: The force pulling the ball toward the ground is gravity, not related to the bat - ball reaction force. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The force of the ball on the bat is the reaction force to the bat's force on the ball (action), which follows Newton's Third Law.

Answer:

D. The reaction force is the force of the ball on the bat.