How does a rotating wheel apply torque/force on a ball?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mechanics of a baseball pitching machine that utilizes a rotating wheel to propel baseballs at speeds between 40-70 mph. The key principle at play is the transfer of energy from the wheel to the ball through friction. As the ball contacts the wheel, it accelerates due to the tangential force applied at the point of contact, allowing the ball to exit the machine at an appropriate angle. The wheel's rotation speed exceeds that of the ball, ensuring effective energy transfer and acceleration.

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  • Basic knowledge of friction and its effects on motion
  • Familiarity with projectile motion principles
  • Concept of tangential velocity in circular motion
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I saw a baseball pitching machine that throws baseballs at 40-70mph with one wheel... All that wheel does is rotate and as the ball touches the rotating wheel it accelerates and comes flying out of the machine at an appropriate angle.. My question is: what is the physics behind that wheel on ball action? I understand torque but I don't get how it works since the ball is "parallel" to the wheel. There is nothing pushing the ball in a straight line... How is the energy transferred from wheel to ball? Thanks!
 
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The wheel moves quicker than the ball, and friction will accelerate the ball. The precise direction is not so important - after leaving the machine, the ball will always fly in a straight line (at least if we neglect gravity and air resistance), and if the direction does not fit, simply rotate the machine.
 
there is friction between the ball and the wheel. It makes the ball move in the direction tangential to the point on the wheel where the ball makes contact.
 

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