Understanding the Physics of Thrown Balls: Speed, Velocity, and Acceleration

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In summary, speed and velocity are two different measurements of an object's motion, with speed being a scalar quantity and velocity being a vector quantity. Acceleration is related to the change in velocity over time, which is seen when a ball is thrown. The speed of a thrown ball is affected by initial force, angle of throw, and air resistance. A thrown ball can also have a constant speed and changing velocity if thrown in a circular motion. Understanding the physics of thrown balls has practical applications in sports, engineering, and design.
  • #1
je55ica7
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A ball is thrown vertically upward. Consider the following quantities: 1)speed, 2)velocity and 3) acceleration. Which of these will be zero when the ball has reached the maximum height?

Won't all three be zero?
 
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  • #2
Acceleration is never 0 on Earth...
Think about it this way, it's BECAUSE of the acceleration that the velocity & speed have become 0... 'cause the ball was moving up with some positive velocity along the y axis, and the acceleration acts downwards and thus reduces it.
 
  • #3
I see...so the velocity and speed are 0 at the max height, but the acceleration is always 9.8m/s^2?
 

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Speed is a scalar quantity that measures how fast an object is moving, while velocity is a vector quantity that not only measures the speed of an object, but also its direction of motion. In other words, speed tells us how fast an object is going, while velocity tells us how fast and in what direction it is going.

How is acceleration related to the velocity of a thrown ball?

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time. When a ball is thrown, it experiences a change in velocity as it goes from rest to a certain speed and direction. This change in velocity is what we call acceleration.

What factors affect the speed of a thrown ball?

The speed of a thrown ball is affected by three main factors: the initial force applied to the ball, the angle at which it is thrown, and the air resistance acting on the ball. The stronger the initial force and the smaller the angle of throw, the faster the ball will travel. Air resistance, on the other hand, will slow down the ball's speed.

Can a thrown ball have a constant speed and changing velocity?

Yes, a thrown ball can have a constant speed and changing velocity if it is thrown in a circular motion. In this case, the ball's speed remains constant, but its velocity changes because it is constantly changing direction.

How does understanding the physics of thrown balls apply to real-world scenarios?

Understanding the physics of thrown balls can help us analyze and predict the motion of objects in sports, such as baseballs, footballs, and basketballs. It can also be applied in engineering and design, such as in the development of vehicles and projectiles.

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