Explanation:
Force is given by rate of change of momentum.
Mass of bullet = 555 g = 0.555 kg
Initial velocity = 14.9 m/s
Final velocity = -12.1 m/s - Opposite direction
Change in momentum = 0.555 x 14.9 - 0.555 x (-12.1)
Change in momentum = 14.985 kg m/s
Time taken = 0.044 s
Rate of change of momentum = Change in momentum ÷ Time
Rate of change of momentum = 14.985 ÷ 0.044
Rate of change of momentum = 340.57 N
Force = 340.57 N
The magnitude of the average force acting on the ball during the collision is 340.57 N