Why does a water balloon or paintball hurt so much if it doesn’t explode when it hits you?

Question

Was wondering why this happens. I figured the ball exploding would hurt more.

In: 0

Answer 1

Initial energy from the impact is what breaks the paintball or water balloon. From there it disperses the rest of the energy in other ways over a larger area. When it doesn’t break all the momentum energy with no loss is transfered directly into you. And generally in a smaller area on your body.