Help with acceleration, magnitude, and direction of force

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a baseball being caught, with its speed decreasing from 28.0 m/s to 0.0 m/s over a time interval of 0.0050 s. The mass of the baseball is given as 0.140 kg. The questions focus on determining the baseball's acceleration, the magnitude and direction of the force acting on it, and the force acting on the player who caught it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between velocity, time, and acceleration, with some suggesting the use of the equation v = a*t. There are attempts to calculate momentum and questions about the correct application of formulas. Some participants express confusion about the definitions of variables and the need for distance in calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different approaches to find acceleration and questioning the use of certain equations. Some guidance has been provided regarding relevant equations, but there is no explicit consensus on the method to be used.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of distance information, which is causing confusion in applying certain formulas. There are also indications of varying levels of comfort with algebra among participants.

jayyafeelme
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Homework Statement



As a baseball is being caught, its speed goes from 28.0 m/s to 0.0 m/s in about 0.0050 s. The mass of the baseball is 0.140 kg.

What is the baseball's acceleration?
What are the magnitude and direction of the force acting on it?
What are the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the player who caught it?

Homework Equations



f=ma?

The Attempt at a Solution



28.0 m/s x 0.140 kg = 3.92
 
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jayyafeelme said:

Homework Statement



As a baseball is being caught, its speed goes from 28.0 m/s to 0.0 m/s in about 0.0050 s. The mass of the baseball is 0.140 kg.

What is the baseball's acceleration?
What are the magnitude and direction of the force acting on it?
What are the magnitude and direction of the force acting on the player who caught it?

Homework Equations



f=ma?

The Attempt at a Solution



28.0 m/s x 0.140 kg = 3.92

You calculated momentum. The force will be change in momentum over the time period.

If v = a*t you should be able to figure the acceleration.
 
so 28.0 m/s x 0.0050 s?
 
jayyafeelme said:
so 28.0 m/s x 0.0050 s?

Not the way I do algebra.
 
v divided by 0.0050 s? please help me i really need to get this done
 
jayyafeelme said:
v divided by 0.0050 s? please help me i really need to get this done

That gives you acceleration.
 
but isn't v = velocity? and v = distance/time? they don't give me a distance
 
someone help please
 
Can you do better than randomly multiplying quantities? Pion gave you v=a*t, which quantities do you know in this equation?
 
  • #10
you're going to need an equation that can find the acceleration (or deceleration) when given an initial as well as final velocity and time.

I suggest

Vf=Vo+at

that should give you acceleration
 

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