Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. In the case of a baseball, it is the energy it has while it is in motion, such as when it is being thrown or hit.
The formula for calculating kinetic energy is KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is the velocity or speed of the object. For a baseball, the mass is typically around 0.145 kilograms and the velocity can vary depending on the pitch or hit.
Potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position or state. In the case of a baseball, it is the energy it has while it is at rest, such as when it is sitting on the ground or on a pitcher's hand.
The formula for calculating potential energy is PE = m * g * h, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), and h is the height of the object from a reference point. For a baseball, the mass and acceleration due to gravity are constant, but the height can vary depending on its position.
Kinetic and potential energy are both forms of energy that a baseball can possess. When a baseball is in motion, it has kinetic energy, but when it is at rest, it has potential energy. The two energies are interconvertible, meaning that when a baseball is thrown or hit, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, and vice versa when it comes to a stop. Ultimately, the total energy (kinetic + potential) of a baseball remains constant, in accordance with the law of conservation of energy.