Solving for the Vertical Distance of a 101 mph Pitch

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the vertical distance a baseball falls when thrown horizontally at 101 mph, specifically from a distance of 60.5 feet. The initial attempt used the formula for time of impact, t impact = 2 * (vo/g) sin theta, but incorrectly mixed units of feet and meters. The correct calculation should maintain consistent units and properly apply the physics of projectile motion to determine the vertical drop due to gravity.

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  • Understanding of projectile motion principles
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  • Knowledge of unit conversion between feet and meters
  • Basic grasp of gravitational acceleration (g = 9.8 m/s²)
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Homework Statement



One of the fastest recorded pitches in major-league baseball, thrown by Billy Wagner in 2003, was clocked at 101.0 mi/h (Fig. P3.22). If a pitch were thrown horizontally with this velocity, how far would the ball fall vertically (in feet) by the time it reached home plate, 60.5 ft away?


Homework Equations



t impact = 2 * (vo/g) sin theta


The Attempt at a Solution



2 * (9.21404m (60.5ft)/9.8m/s2) sin(90) = 1.88042 m

1.88042 m * 3.281 ft = 6.16965 ft

what am i doing wrong?
 
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For one thing, it looks like you are mixing ft and meters. What is the 9.21404 m supposed to be?

Your formula is for "t impact", but you stated the answer in meters?? I think you have confused things. I don't think your formula is correct, either. Can you show how you got it?
 

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