Max Height of Ball: Can it be Determined?

In summary, a batter at a baseball game hit a ball into the stands. The ball was caught by a fan when it was moving at 10 m/s at a height of 20 m above the height it was hit. The maximum height of the ball cannot be determined, as the total mechanical energy at the maximum height is the same as at 20 m, where the ball was caught. The vertical velocity at the top is not 0 m/s, as there is also a horizontal velocity that we do not know the angle of.
  • #1
sparkle123
175
0

Homework Statement



A batter at a baseball game hit a ball such that it flew into the stands. The ball was caught by a fan when it was moving at 10 m/s at a height 20 m above the height it was hit. What was the maximum height to which the ball rose before falling back down towards the fan?

2. The attempt at a solution

The official answer is "The maximum height cannot be determined. "
I thought it could be determined by noting that the total mechanical energy is the same at the max height, 0 m/s equaled the energy at 20 m, 10 m/s.
What am I missing?
 
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  • #2
No, the velocity at the top is not 0 m/s, that is only the vertical part of the velocity, the horizontal part is a constant and we don't know any angle here so we can't distinguish the two.
 
  • #3
You're a genius! Thanks!
 

FAQ: Max Height of Ball: Can it be Determined?

What is the "Max Height of Ball" and why is it important to determine?

The "Max Height of Ball" refers to the maximum height that a ball or projectile reaches after being launched into the air. It is important to determine because it can help us understand the trajectory and motion of the ball, which is useful in various fields such as sports, physics, and engineering.

Can the Max Height of Ball be determined accurately?

Yes, the Max Height of Ball can be determined accurately using mathematical equations and principles such as projectile motion and conservation of energy. However, there may be some factors such as air resistance and wind that can affect the accuracy of the calculation.

What information is needed to calculate the Max Height of Ball?

To calculate the Max Height of Ball, you need to know the initial velocity of the ball, the angle at which it was launched, and the acceleration due to gravity. Additional information such as air resistance and wind speed may also be needed for a more accurate calculation.

Can the Max Height of Ball be affected by external factors?

Yes, the Max Height of Ball can be affected by external factors such as air resistance, wind, and altitude. These factors can change the trajectory and motion of the ball, resulting in a different Max Height of Ball.

What are some practical applications of knowing the Max Height of Ball?

Knowing the Max Height of Ball can be useful in various fields. In sports, it can help coaches and athletes understand the trajectory of a ball and improve their performance. In physics and engineering, it can aid in designing and predicting the motion of projectiles. It can also be helpful in activities such as launching rockets and fireworks.

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