Question

How do you rationalize the tension being used in Tennis Racket strings using the concept of impulse and momentum?

Answer 1

Answer:

The momentum, ΔP, and therefore, kinetic energy given to the ball in a serve is the result of the product of the tension force, 'F', in the string and the time of contact, Δt, between the ball and the string

ΔP = F × Δt

Explanation:

The impulse, ΔP, is the produce of the force, 'F', applied to a body for a given period of time, Δt', that gives motion to the body, and it is equal to the change of momentum of the body

ΔP = F × Δt

The momentum, 'P', of a body is the product of the mass, 'm', of the body and its velocity, 'v'

P = m × v

Tension is the axial pulling force of a string

T = Axial Force, F$_{axial}$

The tension used in Tennis Racket strings is between 40 to 65 lbs.

When high tension is used in the string, the string is taut, and the contact duration between the Racket string and the ball is minimal, and the player needs to use more force to obtain a high momentum, and therefore, energy in the ball, which reduces control, and increase stress, as force is more emphasized

When low tension is used in the string, the Tennis Racket strings are more elastic. During a serve, the ball pushes the strings further back into the racket, such that the ball spends more time in contact with the string, (Δt is larger), and therefore, the impulse, F·Δt = ΔP, given to the ball is larger, therefore, the ball has a larger change in momentum, and therefore more energy in the intended direction.

However, a very slackened string will increase the increase area and time (large Δt) of contact of the ball and the racket such that the force given to the ball, F = ΔP/(large Δt) is reduced and therefore reduce the likelihood of gaining points from a serve against an opponent with a much forceful return of a serve.