What is acceleration in tennis and velocity?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between acceleration and velocity in the context of tennis. Velocity is defined as a vector measurement that includes both speed and direction, while acceleration measures the change in speed and/or direction, indicating a change in velocity. The example of a tennis ball illustrates how acceleration can occur even after the ball has been hit, due to spin affecting its trajectory. This understanding is crucial for analyzing the dynamics of tennis shots.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as speed, velocity, and acceleration.
  • Familiarity with vector and scalar quantities.
  • Knowledge of tennis mechanics and shot dynamics.
  • Basic grasp of how spin affects ball movement in sports.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of tennis ball spin and its effects on shot trajectory.
  • Explore vector analysis in sports dynamics.
  • Learn about the principles of acceleration in various sports contexts.
  • Study the mathematical representation of velocity and acceleration in physics.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, tennis coaches, sports analysts, and anyone interested in the mechanics of ball sports and their underlying physical principles.

jrock_kpop
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im really confused between the difference..help?:confused:
 
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Tennis and velocity are not even vaguely within the same linguistic paradigm, so I'm a bit confused.
If, by chance, you refer to the difference between acceleration and velocity in regard to the game of tennis, then you might just as well forget about tennis altogether. No matter what physical activity is taking place, the answer will be the same.
To start with, speed is a scalar measurement. It has only one component.
Velocity is a vector measurement, in that it incorporates both speed and direction.
For example, 100 km/h is a speed. 100 km/h due east is a velocity.
Acceleration is a measurement of the change in speed and/or direction; hence a change of velocity.
Some objects, such as a tennis ball in your case, or a baseball, or a cueball (in my realm) can undergo an acceleration even after leaving the initial launching point by transferring spin to the environment. That's how you get weird tennis shots, curve balls, or masses in pool.

edit: Oops! I just now noticed that this was your first post. Had I realized it earlier, the opening sentence of my reply would have been "Welcome to PF, Jrock." Oh, well... I guess that it's never too late. So—welcome aboard, mate.
 
I am no expert at tennis but I think this will give you more insight.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=351971
 

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