Calculating the Drop Distance of a Baseball Thrown by a Major League Pitcher"

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In summary, the conversation discusses the distance a ball will drop when thrown horizontally at a speed of 42.0 m/s for a distance of 15.1 m. The person asking for help worked out the problem using the equation y = y_0 + v_i t + \frac{a}{2} t^2 and got a distance of 2.57 meters. They then question if their answer is correct and eventually find the correct answer.
  • #1
metalmagik
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A major league pitcher can throw a baseball in excess of 42.0 m/s. if a ball is thrown horizontally at this speed, how much will it drop by the time it reaches the catcher who is 15.1 m away from the point of release?

I worked this out as an x and y problem and I got 2.57 for the distance at wihch the ball dropped (d on the Y side of the problem.)

I first found time for the X side, then carried that to the Y side which had Vi = 0 and a = -9.81 m/s^2.

Did I do anything wrong? Any help would be great, thanks so much
 
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  • #2
I don't get 2.57 meters. Are you using
[tex]y = y_0 + v_i t + \frac{a}{2} t^2[/tex] ?
 
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  • #3
Sorry I got the answer already, thank you though.
 

FAQ: Calculating the Drop Distance of a Baseball Thrown by a Major League Pitcher"

What is the formula for calculating the drop distance of a baseball?

The formula for calculating the drop distance of a baseball is: D = (0.5 * g * t^2), where D is the drop distance, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 meters per second squared), and t is the time in seconds.

How do you determine the time the baseball is in the air?

The time the baseball is in the air can be determined by using the formula: t = (2 * V * sinθ)/g, where V is the initial velocity of the ball and θ is the angle at which it is thrown.

What is the average initial velocity of a baseball thrown by a major league pitcher?

The average initial velocity of a baseball thrown by a major league pitcher is around 90-95 miles per hour (mph), which is equivalent to 40-43 meters per second.

What factors can affect the drop distance of a baseball?

The drop distance of a baseball can be affected by factors such as air resistance, wind speed and direction, humidity, temperature, and altitude.

Can the drop distance of a baseball be predicted accurately?

While the drop distance of a baseball can be estimated using the formula and taking various factors into consideration, it is difficult to predict with complete accuracy due to the many variables involved in the trajectory of a thrown ball.

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