Cricket Ball Impulse Simulation
Example 5.4: Impulse in Cricket
This simulation demonstrates the impulse imparted when a batsman hits a ball back to the bowler. Adjust the parameters below and click "Animate" to see the physics in action.
Example
Question:
A batsman hits back a ball straight in the direction of the bowler without changing its initial speed of \(12\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\).
If the mass of the ball is \(0.15\,\mathrm{kg}\), determine the impulse imparted to the ball.
(Assume linear motion of the ball.)
Solution:
Change in momentum:
\[
= 0.15 \times 12 - (-0.15 \times 12)
\]
\[
= 3.6\,\mathrm{N\,s}
\]
Impulse \(= 3.6\,\mathrm{N\,s}\), in the direction from the batsman to the bowler.
This is an example where the force on the ball by the batsman and the time of contact of the ball and the bat are difficult to know, but the impulse is readily calculated.
Physics Results
The impulse is in the direction from the batsman to the bowler, showing the change in momentum when the ball is hit back.



