Solving Softball Problem: Syd's Pitch & Rachael's Move

[physicsgurl12]

Homework Statement

If Syd is a softball pitcher (a really good one, just ask her) and Rachael is the hitter with Morgan playing centerfield. Rachael thinks moving closer to the pitcher will make it easier to hit the change-up Syd throws. If Syd throws a pitch with with a velocity of 46.2 miles per hour. The plate is 42 ft away.

A. How much time does it take for a pitch to reach the plate?

Rachael misses the first pitch by swinging early on the pitch. Rachael moves to the front of the batters box which 22.7 inches closer to try to hit the ball sooner.

B. How much time does she gain by moving to the front of the box?

Homework Equations

v=d/t
d=-1/2g*t^2

The Attempt at a Solution

i tried both these equations as many ways as possible and its still wrong

 

[whoareyou]

Well, the velocity is in miles/hour and the distance is given in feet ... (hint: do a conversion)

 

[Fewmet]

Are you being careful with the units? Distance is being given in miles, feet and inches.

 

[physicsgurl12]

i converted 42 feet to .0079545455 miles is this right??

 

[ideasrule]

Yes. Since you chose miles, convert everything to miles and proceed from there.

 

[Fewmet]

i converted 42 feet to .0079545455 miles is this right??

It is correct. (You know Google does conversions, right?)

Personally, I'd recommend converting all distances to feet rather than miles. That 22.7 inches is going to be pretty tiny in miles.

Edit: I see ideasrule keeps beating me to the punch, so I'll bow out. (Besides, I have bread rising in the kitchen and it needs my attention).

 

[physicsgurl12]

awesome. so i got part 1 when she moves up do i convert the inches to miles then subtract that number from the distance she was before??