Baseball problem Impulse-Momentum

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In summary, a baseball weighing 4oz or 0.00781 slugs is thrown at 60 ft/s and is hit at an angle of 40 degrees towards third base with a velocity of 120 ft/s. The magnitude of the average force applied in this scenario is approximately 66.5 pounds, which may seem low but is reasonable considering the speed of the pitch and the contact time with the bat. In a major league game, the impact force could be much larger due to faster pitches and shorter contact times.
  • #1
Anarion
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A baseball (4oz .00781 slugs) is thrown at 60 ft/s. After it strikes the bat it is hit at 40 degrees to the initial trajectory (towards third base) and then has a velocity of 120 ft/s. What is the magnitude of the average force applied? T=0.02 sec.



2. F delta T = m delta V



3. Delta Vx= 120 cos 40 - (-60) = 151.9
Delta Vy= 120 sin 40 = 77.13

DeltaV=Square root(1519.9^2+77.1362^2)=170.4

F= .00781*170.4/.02sec =66.5 ft lb

This does not seem right to me. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #3
A slug is the mass. 4oz/16 =.25/32ft/s^12=0.00781 slugs

Are you sure that is right. The force seems low to me.
 
  • #4
Anarion said:
A slug is the mass. 4oz/16 =.25/32ft/s^12=0.00781 slugs

Are you sure that is right. The force seems low to me.
Ahh, America! The force is in pounds, not ft-lbs. The impact force does seem low at first, but when you consider the ball is thrown at only 60 ft/sec (about 40 mph, a little league pitch , and less than that of a Wakefield 60 mph knuckle ball, coupled with the fact that the impulse time of 0.02 seconds is 'large', and the ball is not hit squarely back toward the pitcher, then the 66.5 pounds force is reasonable. In a major league baseball game, the speed of the pitch is much faster, and most of all, the impact time of the ball in contact with the bat is much, much smaller, like .001 seconds or less. Thus the impact force could be about 100 times larger, or even more (up to 10,000 pounds in some cases).
 
  • #5
Thanks for your help!
 

1. What is the "Baseball problem" in regards to Impulse-Momentum?

The "Baseball problem" in Impulse-Momentum refers to the physics concept of impulse and momentum applied to the motion of a baseball. It involves understanding how the force and time of impact affect the change in momentum of the baseball, and how this can be used to analyze the motion of the ball.

2. How is Impulse-Momentum used in baseball?

Impulse-Momentum is used in baseball to explain the trajectory and speed of a baseball during different stages of a pitch or hit. It helps to determine the force and time of impact between the bat and ball, and how this affects the ball's momentum and subsequent motion.

3. What is the relationship between impulse and momentum in the Baseball problem?

The relationship between impulse and momentum in the Baseball problem is that impulse is the change in momentum of the baseball, and it is directly proportional to the force and time of impact between the bat and ball. This means that a greater force or longer time of impact will result in a larger change in momentum, and vice versa.

4. How do the principles of Impulse-Momentum apply to pitching in baseball?

The principles of Impulse-Momentum apply to pitching in baseball by explaining the mechanics of how the pitcher's arm moves and how the ball is released. The force and time of impact between the pitcher's hand and the ball determine the ball's momentum and subsequent trajectory.

5. Can Impulse-Momentum help in understanding the physics of hitting a home run?

Yes, Impulse-Momentum can help in understanding the physics of hitting a home run. By analyzing the force and time of impact between the bat and ball, as well as the initial velocity and angle of the ball, it is possible to calculate the trajectory and distance the ball will travel, and determine whether it will result in a home run or not.

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