- #1
danago
Gold Member
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Hey. For my physics class, we are required to do whatever it takes to calculate the force one can apply with the swing of a baseball bat. We are given a ticker timer, a stopwatch and a meter ruler (to simulate a baseball bat). We can use other things if we wish, such as an actual baseball bat etc, but avaliable equipment is limited.
What we have done so far is taken a few time measurements of how long a swing takes, from the moment the bat begins moving, until the moment it strikes the ball. We recorded an average of 36ms. We then used some of the long ribbon paper from the ticker timer, and, keeping it tense, measured the total distance the tip of the bat moves during its motion until it strikes the ball. It was approximately 1.64m
With these values (Vi=0, s=1.64, t=0.36), we then calculated the average acceleration as ~25.3 m/s/s, which we originally thought that we could use to calculate the force the bat will strike with. However, now that we have thought more, we are doubtful about our results, since the acceleration is more than likely not constant, so the force therefore throughout the swing won't be constant.
We are now trying to think of new ways to complete this investigation. If anyone has ideas, please post, all help greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan.
What we have done so far is taken a few time measurements of how long a swing takes, from the moment the bat begins moving, until the moment it strikes the ball. We recorded an average of 36ms. We then used some of the long ribbon paper from the ticker timer, and, keeping it tense, measured the total distance the tip of the bat moves during its motion until it strikes the ball. It was approximately 1.64m
With these values (Vi=0, s=1.64, t=0.36), we then calculated the average acceleration as ~25.3 m/s/s, which we originally thought that we could use to calculate the force the bat will strike with. However, now that we have thought more, we are doubtful about our results, since the acceleration is more than likely not constant, so the force therefore throughout the swing won't be constant.
We are now trying to think of new ways to complete this investigation. If anyone has ideas, please post, all help greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan.