I caught the tail end of a conversation on the World Series tonight and I was wondering the physics and maybe chemistry causing the differences in the way a ball would "break" at higher and lower altitudes.
2007-10-27 16:29:25 · 4 answers · asked by whoadi7767 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
At higher elevations like Denver, there is basically less air. One can feel this when trying to breathe. This effects the baseball in that there is basically less resistance for the ball to "grab" onto and curve.
Whereas at sea level like in NY (Yankees) there is more/thicker air and the ball can "grab" onto it and curve better.
This is also the reason the baseball has laces on it, to kinda "grab" onto the air. And for grip of course!
2007-10-27 16:36:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Less dense air at higher altitudes will result in less 'break' in the curve ball.
2007-10-27 16:35:01 · answer #2 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Colorado has been known for a home run park due to the thin air. Currently the league requires that the balls in Colorado be stored in a humidifier to make them heavier.
2007-10-27 16:39:08 · answer #3 · answered by ohbuck26 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have heard that the thinner air results in less curve, or break, in a pitch. But if that were true, why do we not hear about a faster fastball???
2007-10-27 16:38:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋