The work done in accelerating a ball to a certain speed

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the work done by a pitcher in accelerating a baseball to a specific speed, with given mass and velocities. The subject area includes concepts from mechanics, specifically work-energy principles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply Newton's second law and kinematics but expresses difficulty in isolating variables. Some participants question the relationship between work and energy, while others suggest that work is related to the change in kinetic energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is exploring various interpretations of the problem, with participants clarifying the relationship between work and kinetic energy. There is acknowledgment of the specific focus on work related to the acceleration of the ball.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of known variables and the specific nature of the question regarding work done in acceleration, without delving into other forms of work that may be involved.

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Homework Statement


The fastball of a famous pitcher in the National League has
been clocked in excess of 95 mph. Calculate the work done
by the pitcher in accelerating the ball to that speed. The
mass of a baseball is 0.145 kg.

mass = 0.145 kg
final velocity (in m/s) = 42.4688 m/s
initial velocity = 0 m/s

Homework Equations


F = ma
w = F*distance


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried setting up F = ma to find something, but the only known variable is mass. I also tried kinematics, but there are only two known variables that go into the equations and I can't isolate any variables. Is there an equation I'm forgetting, or am I just looking at this problem the wrong way? Thanks.
 
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How is work related to energy?
 
Ohhh, work is the change in energy. So the work done would just be the kinetic energy of the ball at the velocity?
 
He might very well have done some other work, but the question is specifically about work spent on accelerating the ball.
 
Okay got it, thanks!
 

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