The discussion centers on calculating the force applied to a thrown ball, emphasizing the application of Newton's second law, F=ma. Participants clarify that while gravity is a force acting on the ball, the force exerted by the thrower must also be considered. The conversation highlights the transition of the ball from a static state to a dynamic state, indicating that an external force is applied during the throw, which is crucial for accurate calculations.
PREREQUISITESPhysics students, sports scientists, coaches, and anyone interested in the mechanics of throwing and force application.
You might want to rethink that.Clarisse said:I’m trying to calculate how hard someone throws a ball. I know that F=ma, but the only force acting on a ball is the force of gravity and so the equation simply cancels out.
Um...then what is this?:Clarisse said:...the only force acting on a ball is the force of gravity...
...someone throws a ball...