Solve 1-D Kinematics Problem: Baseball Pitcher's Acceleration

  • Thread starter mgiddy911
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In summary, the conversation discusses a physics problem involving a baseball pitcher throwing a fastball at a speed of 36.1 m/s and the acceleration of the ball over a distance of 3.06m. The individual is seeking help in solving the problem and is advised to use the equation vf^2 = vi^2 + 2ad.
  • #1
mgiddy911
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I need some help with this problem for phys class

A baseball pitcher throws a fastball at the speed of 36.1 m/s. the acceleration occurs as the pitcher holds the ball in his hand and moves it through an almost straight-line distance of 3.06m. calculate the acceleration, assumming its uniform.

i have exhausted my resources trying to figure out how to go about solving this problem, help would be appreciated
 
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  • #2
mgiddy911 said:
I need some help with this problem for phys class

A baseball pitcher throws a fastball at the speed of 36.1 m/s. the acceleration occurs as the pitcher holds the ball in his hand and moves it through an almost straight-line distance of 3.06m. calculate the acceleration, assumming its uniform.

i have exhausted my resources trying to figure out how to go about solving this problem, help would be appreciated

use vf^2 = vi^2 + 2ad
 
  • #3
.

To solve this problem, we can use the formula for acceleration, which is a = (v2 - v1)/t, where v2 is the final velocity, v1 is the initial velocity, and t is the time. In this case, we are given the final velocity (36.1 m/s) and the distance (3.06 m) but we need to find the initial velocity and time.

To find the initial velocity, we can use the fact that the pitcher holds the ball in his hand before throwing it, so the initial velocity is 0 m/s.

Now, we can rearrange the formula to solve for time: t = (v2 - v1)/a. Plugging in the values we know, we get t = (36.1 m/s - 0 m/s)/a.

Since we are assuming the acceleration is uniform, we can use the distance formula, d = v1t + 1/2at^2, to solve for the acceleration. Plugging in the values we know, we get 3.06 m = 0 m/s * t + 1/2 * a * t^2.

Simplifying, we get 3.06 = 1/2 * a * t^2. We can rearrange this to solve for a: a = 2 * (3.06/t^2).

Now, we can substitute this value for a back into our equation for time: t = (36.1 m/s - 0 m/s)/(2 * (3.06/t^2)).

Simplifying, we get t = 0.329 seconds.

Therefore, the acceleration is a = 2 * (3.06/0.329^2) = 56.9 m/s^2.

So, the pitcher's acceleration is 56.9 m/s^2. I hope this helps to solve the problem for your physics class. Remember to always use the appropriate formulas and units when solving kinematics problems.
 

What is 1-D kinematics and how does it relate to a baseball pitcher's acceleration?

1-D kinematics is the study of motion in one dimension, specifically in a straight line. A baseball pitcher's acceleration is a measure of how quickly their velocity changes over time in the direction of their pitch. It is a key factor in determining the speed and trajectory of the pitch.

How do you calculate a baseball pitcher's acceleration?

To calculate acceleration, you need to know the initial velocity, final velocity, and time interval. The formula for acceleration is a = (vf - vi)/t, where a is acceleration, vf is final velocity, vi is initial velocity, and t is time interval. In the case of a baseball pitcher, the initial velocity could be the speed of their arm as they throw the ball, the final velocity would be the speed of the ball as it leaves their hand, and the time interval would be the duration of their pitch.

What factors can affect a baseball pitcher's acceleration?

There are several factors that can affect a baseball pitcher's acceleration. These include the strength and speed of their arm, the angle at which they release the ball, the type of pitch they are throwing, and external factors such as air resistance or wind.

How does a change in acceleration impact the speed and trajectory of a baseball pitch?

A change in acceleration can have a significant impact on the speed and trajectory of a baseball pitch. A greater acceleration can result in a faster pitch, while a lower acceleration can result in a slower pitch. The direction of the acceleration can also affect the trajectory of the pitch, with a higher acceleration in a certain direction resulting in a more curved or angled pitch.

How can understanding 1-D kinematics and a baseball pitcher's acceleration help in improving pitching performance?

Understanding 1-D kinematics and a baseball pitcher's acceleration can help in improving pitching performance by allowing pitchers to analyze and adjust their technique and speed to optimize their pitches. By understanding the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and time, pitchers can make strategic changes to their pitch to deceive batters and increase their chances of throwing a successful pitch.

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