Projectile of bouncing ball

In summary, the conversation discusses how a baseball player throws a ball with the goal of having it bounce once before reaching the infielder. It is mentioned that the ball's speed after the bounce is half of its initial speed, and there are two questions posed about the throw. The first question asks at what angle the ball should be thrown to travel the same distance with one bounce as a ball thrown upward at 45 degrees with no bounce. The second question asks for the ratio of the times for the one-bounce and no-bounce throws. The solution involves equating the ranges of the two throws and solving for the angle of the throw.
  • #1
TN17
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1. In baseball, player throws ball so that the ball takes one bounce before it reaches infielder.

Suppose that the angle at which a bounced ball leaves the ground is the same as the angle at which the outfielder launced it.

The ball's speed after the bounce is half of what it was before the bounce.

a) Asumming the ball is always thrown with same initial speed, at what angle should the ball be thrown in order to go the same distance "x" with one bounce as a ball thrown upward at 45 degrees with no bounce?

b) Determine ratio of the times for the one-bounce and no-bounce throws.



The Attempt at a Solution


I've attempted this question all afternoon, but with all the equations I have, there is more than one unknown.
I'm very confused and it would be greatly appreciated if you helped me.
Thank you. :)
 
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  • #2
equate range of the 45 degree throw and the sum of the ranges of the first throw and the bounce
assume y = angle of throw
Vo^2sin90/g = Vo^2sin2y/g + Vo^2sin2y/2g ------ equating ranges
Vo^2/g = Vo^2sin2y(1.5)/g ------ factor out variables
3/2 = sin2y------ dividing both sides by (Vo^2/g)
y= 27 and 63degrees.
 
Last edited:

1. What factors affect the projectile of a bouncing ball?

The height of the initial drop, the surface and material of the ball, and the surface it bounces on are all factors that can affect the projectile of a bouncing ball. Other factors like air resistance and spin can also play a role.

2. How does the height of the initial drop affect the trajectory of a bouncing ball?

The higher the initial drop, the higher the ball will bounce. This is due to the potential energy of the ball being converted into kinetic energy as it falls, causing it to bounce back with more force.

3. What is the relationship between the surface of the ball and the surface it bounces on?

The surface of the ball and the surface it bounces on can greatly affect the trajectory of the ball. A ball with a more rigid surface will bounce higher and with more force on a harder surface, while a softer surface will absorb more of the energy and result in a lower bounce.

4. How does air resistance affect the projectile of a bouncing ball?

Air resistance can cause the ball to lose some of its energy as it bounces, resulting in a lower bounce height. This is because the air molecules slow down the ball's movement and absorb some of its kinetic energy.

5. Is the spin of a bouncing ball important to its trajectory?

Yes, the spin of a bouncing ball can greatly affect its trajectory. A ball with backspin will have a higher bounce, while a ball with topspin will have a lower and shorter bounce. This is due to the Magnus effect, where the spin causes a difference in air pressure, creating a lift or downward force on the ball.

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