Calculating Minimum Batted Ball Speed for Homerun at Fenway Park

In summary, the question asks for the minimum speed of a batted ball that was hit 1.0m above the ground at an angle of 35° above horizontal and traveled 100m to hit a 12m high fence. Using physics equations for displacement and acceleration, the minimum speed can be calculated by taking into account the initial velocity and acceleration due to gravity. The final answer can be found by calculating the vertical component of the initial velocity and using trigonometric functions.
  • #1
hobo
3
0
When David Ortiz hit a homerun over the 12m high "Green Monster' fence at Fenway park 100m away from home plate, the ball was hit 1.0m above the ground at an angle of 35° above horizontal. What was the minumum speed of the batted ball?

dx = 100m
Vx = Xcos35°
Vox= Xcos35°
ax = 0
dy = 11m
vy = ?
voy = ?
ay = -9.8m/s/s
t = ?

That is as far as I have gotten. I have only had experience with three missing variables, not five. How do I even start this question?
 
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  • #2
Suppose we make the initial velocity Vo. Then the initial x direction velocity is Vocos(35) and the y is Vosin(35). Can you write an equation for the displacement in the x and y directions based on your acceleration and initial velocity?
 
  • #3
If you're assuming that its path is parabolic and you are using some of the simple physics formulae then:

v^2= u^2 + 2as
(take out 'u^2' because you are calculating the vertical velocity once it reaches 1 meter above the ground after having accelerated from the point above the fence where it's vertical velocity component was equal to zero)

v(vertical component) = sqrt(2 x acceleration due to gravity x 11)

then you could work in the V(initial) = V_y (initial)/ sin 35 etc. etc.
 

1. What is projectile motion homerun?

Projectile motion homerun is a term used in physics to describe the path of motion of an object that is launched into the air and follows a curved trajectory before landing. In baseball, it refers to the trajectory of a ball that is hit by a batter and travels through the air before landing outside of the playing field for a home run.

2. What factors affect the projectile motion of a homerun?

The factors that affect the projectile motion of a homerun include the initial velocity of the ball, the angle at which it is launched, the air resistance, and the gravitational pull of the Earth.

3. How is the trajectory of a homerun calculated?

The trajectory of a homerun can be calculated using the equations of projectile motion, taking into account the initial velocity, launch angle, and the acceleration due to gravity. With these variables, the path of the homerun can be predicted and analyzed.

4. How does air resistance affect the trajectory of a homerun?

Air resistance, also known as drag, can have a significant impact on the trajectory of a homerun. As the ball travels through the air, it experiences a force that opposes its motion, causing it to slow down and deviate from its original path.

5. Can the trajectory of a homerun be affected by external factors?

Yes, external factors such as wind speed and direction can affect the trajectory of a homerun. These factors can alter the air resistance and initial velocity of the ball, leading to a different trajectory than expected.

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