This is a concept of momentum. In equation, momentum is the product of force and distance. When a ball is thrown, its force is constant all throughout unless disturbed by an external force. Therefore, force is the constant of proportionality that relates momentum with distance. When you block a ball from a given distance, you would feel the great force on your hand. In order to reduce the force, you have to follow the direction of the force in order to minimize the impact. By doing this, you gradually decrease the momentum of the ball.
Explanation:
- Newton's first law of motion:
"An object at rest (or in uniform motion) remains at rest (or in uniform motion) unless acted upon an unbalanced force
In this situation, we can apply Newton's first law to the keys of the keyboard that are not hit by the fingers of the man. In fact, as no force act on the keys, they remain at rest.
- Newton's second law of motion:
"The acceleration experienced by an object is proportional to the net force exerted on the object; mathematically:

where F is the net force, m is the mass of the object, and a its acceleration"
In this case, we can apply Newton's second law to the keys of the keyboard that are hit by the man: in fact, as they are hit, they experience a downward force, and therefore they experience a downward acceleration.
"Newton's third law of motion:
"When an object A exerts a force on an object B (action force), then object B exerts an equal and opposite force on object A (reaction force)"
Here We can apply Newton's third law to the pair of objects finger-key: in fact, as the finger apply a force on the key (action force), then the key exerts a force back on the finger (reaction force), equal and opposite.
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