Question

The catcher prepares to receive a pitch from the pitcher. As the ball reaches and makes contact with his glove, the catcher pulls his hand backward. This action reduces the impact of the ball on the catcher's hand because:

• A. The energy absorbed by his hand is reduced
• B. The momentum of the pitch is reduced
• C. The time of impact is increased
• D. The time of impact is reduced
• E. The force exerted on his hand remains the same

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The time of impact is increased

We know that,

impulse = change in momentum

$F\times t=p_2-p_1$

As $p_2$ is zero , because final velocity of the ball becomes zero , so RHS of this equation is constant ($=p_1$), when catcher pulls his hands backward, he increases the time of impact $t$ and due to this impact of ball decreases.