Average force applied by baseball on glove

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SUMMARY

The average force applied by a 0.140-kg baseball traveling at 45.0 m/s on a catcher's glove, which recoils backward 11.0 cm, is calculated using the equation F=ma. The acceleration was determined using the formula vf^2=vi^2-2ad, resulting in an acceleration of 9205 m/s². Consequently, the average force calculated is 1,289 N, which is consistent with the high deceleration required to stop the baseball in such a short distance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F=ma)
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations, specifically vf^2=vi^2-2ad
  • Basic knowledge of units of force (Newtons)
  • Concept of acceleration and deceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study kinematic equations in-depth to solve similar physics problems
  • Learn about the implications of force and acceleration in sports physics
  • Explore the relationship between mass, velocity, and force in real-world applications
  • Investigate how different materials (like gloves) absorb impact forces
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Physics students, sports scientists, and anyone interested in the mechanics of motion and impact forces in sports.

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Homework Statement


A 0.140-kg baseball traveling 45.0 m/s strikes the catcher's mitt, which, in bringing the ball to rest, recoils backward 11.0 cm. What was the average force applied by the ball on the glove?


Homework Equations



F=ma ?

The Attempt at a Solution



It is the whole "backward 11.0 cm" part that confuses me.
 
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Clearly, the question is how can you find acceleration?

Hint: if the ball is initially traveling at 45 m/s, and the ball comes to rest after 11 cm, what equation can you use to find acceleration?
 
Okay, so I used the equation vf^2=vi^2-2ad.
0= 45^2 - 2*a*.11m
I ended up with 9205 m/s/s as the acceleration.

After plugging it into F=ma, I got 1,289N as the force. It seems too high.
Thanks by the way.
 
I got 1,289N as the force. It seems too high.

Excellent. That's what I got too. And, think about it. A baseball traveling 45 m/s comes to rest in only 11 cm! It takes a tremendous amount of force to stop it!
 

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