I am looking to see if there is a mathematical equation to tell how high a baseball travels into the air when hit. I am sure that it depends on the angle of the ball (where is lands) in relation to home plate and obviously how long it is in the air. What about an equation for a ball that goes straight up in the air? If someone throws a ball straight up in the air? Any insight would be appreciated from all you mathematicians out there. Thank you.
2006-06-28 15:03:53 · 10 answers · asked by Eric 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
It's called the Physics of baseball and it's an amazing reference
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060084367/bookstorenow600-20/102-1015492-3035318
(They even showed that with sufficient force of a batter, croking a bat lessens the distance traveled!)
2006-06-28 15:08:39 · answer #1 · answered by Apple Walnut Salad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Projectile motions in physics i think 11 or 12 grade should be able to answer the questions. The time or path that the ball takes depends on the kick angle, momentum transferred from leg to the ball and also the mass of the ball. The energy equations might not be as simple as they sound. With lot of assumptions this could be tracked down.
2006-06-28 22:27:47 · answer #2 · answered by Giridhar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many equations for calculating ballistic trajectories. It is some of the earliest advanced math because it was needed to aim weapons, especially cannons when they became available.
The basic equations are pretty simple because they ignore some of the lesser (but sometimes significant) effects such as air resistance.
The relation:
x=1/2 at^2 +Vo t + Xo is the primary ballistic equation.
this is often used in combination with trigonometry to separate the y (up and down) and x (side to side) parts of the motion of the projectile.
Ballistics is a cool math.
I highly recommend it.
2006-06-28 22:11:15 · answer #3 · answered by enginerd 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
F=MA
Force = Mass * Acceleration
This yields an answer in foot pounds (newton meters depending on which you use).
They you apply the acceleration of gravity against the upward force. At the zero point of the equations (Force = 0), you're at maximum height.
Of course, it's tough to measure the amount of upward force going into the ball.....
2006-06-28 22:11:34 · answer #4 · answered by cliffinutah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you can use the projectile motion equation/formula, for a ball that goes straight in the air, you can use the free falling body equation.
2006-06-28 22:15:28 · answer #5 · answered by meow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take Physics 4A. It covers forces, motions and energy. There is a complicated equation expressing The Law of Conservation of Energy and one must understand it to solve the problem. I suggest that you check any library for this equation.
2006-06-28 22:25:49 · answer #6 · answered by Evan N 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is an equation to give you the max.possible height, but you will have to tell us the force you will employ?
2006-06-28 22:09:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes since they use it to also figure out the distance of homeruns with geometry and such.
2006-06-28 23:12:25 · answer #8 · answered by darryl_is_a_goodboy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no cuz all baseballs fly @ diff heights all the time,sorry
2006-06-28 22:06:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
use trigonometry to find out, cosine/sine/etc.
2006-06-28 22:05:24 · answer #10 · answered by UGAdawg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋