How Fast Does a Baseball Accelerate During Pitching Motion?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the average acceleration of a baseball during the pitching motion, where a pitcher throws the ball at a speed of 44 m/s over a displacement of 3.5 m. Using the equation V^2 = Vo^2 + 2a(X-Xo), the user rearranged it to solve for acceleration (a) and obtained a value of approximately 277 m/s². This value, while seemingly high, is justified by the high velocity of the pitch, equating to about 150 km/h. The user also inquired about the correctness of the rearranged equation for velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically V^2 = Vo^2 + 2a(X-Xo)
  • Basic knowledge of units of measurement in physics (m/s, m/s²)
  • Familiarity with the concept of acceleration and its calculation
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations for solving physics problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of high acceleration values in sports physics
  • Learn about the effects of different pitching techniques on baseball velocity
  • Explore the relationship between displacement and acceleration in kinematics
  • Study advanced kinematic equations and their applications in real-world scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, sports scientists, coaches, and anyone interested in the mechanics of baseball pitching and acceleration calculations.

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Homework Statement


A baseball pticher throws a baseball with a speed of 44 m/s. Estimate the average acceleration of the ball drugin the trowing motion. It is observed that in throwing the baseball, the pitcher accelerates the ball through a dsiplacement of about 3.5 m, from behind the body to the point where it is released.


Homework Equations



V^2 = Vo^2 + 2a(X-Xo)

The Attempt at a Solution


I rearanged the equation above for a

a = (2(X - Xo))^-1 (V^2 - Vo^2)
I thought I did it correctly I pluged in the numbers

a = (2(3.5 m))^-1 (44 s^-1 m)^2

well i got the right units just got a crazy value of about 277 s^2 m

i put this up here because it seemed kind of fast to me and I don't know were I went wrong...
 
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I ALSO HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION

V^2 = Vo^2 + 2a(X-Xo)
V = sqrt ( Vo^2 + 2a(X-Xo) )

is that correct? the second line
 
anybody?
 
It looks correct. 44m/s is about 150km/h, so that's not such a crazy acceleration value since velocity is high.
 

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