The discussion revolves around the work done by gravity and air resistance on a baseball that is hit into the bleachers. Participants are exploring the implications of forces acting on the baseball during its flight and the nature of work in physics.
The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the work done by gravity and air resistance. There is a divergence in views regarding whether the work is positive or negative, particularly in relation to the ball's displacement and energy changes during its flight.
Participants are considering the net effects of work done by gravity and air resistance, particularly in relation to the kinetic and potential energy of the baseball. There is an emphasis on understanding the conditions under which work is considered positive or negative.
Maiia said:Homework Statement
A baseball is hit high into the upper bleachers of left field. After the ball lands in the bleachers, what is the work done by gravity and the work done by air resistance?
Wouldn't they both be zero because they are acting 90 degrees to the path of displacement?
Maiia said:in that case, if you were just considering the work when it hits the bleachers, the work for air resistance and gravity would both be positive, right? Which means the displacement for the ball is both down and in the direction (left/right depending on which way it is hit)?