Straight Line Kinematics Problem

[cvc121]

Homework Statement

[/B]
A baseball pitcher throws a ball at a speed of 47m/s. When the catcher receives the ball, he pulls his hand back through a distance of 0.035m in the process of making the catch. What was the acceleration of the ball as it was being caught, assuming the acceleration was constant. What was the acceleration of the ball as it was being caught?, assuming the acceleration was constant.

Homework Equations

v₂² = v₁² + 2ad

The Attempt at a Solution

47² = 0² + 2(a)(0.035)
a = 47² / (2)(0.035)
a = 31557 m/s²

*I think my answer is totally unrealistic. I am not sure how to deal with the hand being pulled back 0.035m in the process of making the catch. Do I also need to calculate the distance traveled before making the catch?

Thanks! All help is very much appreciated!

 

[billy_joule]

You answer is correct. What makes you think it isn't? The balls going around 170 km/hr, To stop in just 35 mm takes tremendous acceleration.

Do I also need to calculate the distance traveled before making the catch?

There's no way to do that. You don't have enough information.

 

[haruspex]

To assess how realistic it is, determine the force. I gather a baseball has a mass of around 0.15kg. Compare the force with the weight of something.