How Do You Calculate the Motion of a Baseball Thrown Upwards?

In summary: But for now, just remember that the time to return to the starting point is the same as the time to reach the highest point, and they are both half the total time of flight.In summary, a baseball thrown straight up with a speed of 25 m/s reaches a maximum height of 31.89 m and takes 2.55 s to reach this height. It takes 3.061 s for the ball to reach a velocity of 5 m/s (down), and the ball's speed when it returns to the same height is 25 m/s (down). The time it takes for the ball to return to the same height from which it was thrown is 5.1 s, which is equal to half the total
  • #1
gungo
27
1

Homework Statement


A baseball is thrown straight up with a speed of 25 m/s. Determine:
(a) The maximum height reached by the ball
(b) How long it takes the ball to reach its maximum height
(c)The time it takes for the ball to reach a velocity of 5m/s (down)
(d) The speed of the ball when it returns to the same height from which it was thrown
(e) The time it takes for the ball to return to the same height from which it was thrown

Homework Equations


v2=v1+at
v2^2=v1^2+2ad

The Attempt at a Solution


I got the answers for everything but I'm nut sure if (e) is correct
(a)=31.89 m
(b)=2.55 s
(c)3.061 s
(d)25 m/s [down]
For e,
v2=-25m/s
v1=25 m/s
a=-9.8 m/s^2
-25=25+-9.8t
-50=-9.8t
t=5.1 s
Can someone just verify this? I have a huge test coming up, thanks!
 
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  • #2
Looks fine. You might like to think about the relationship between the answers to b) and e).
 
  • #3
PeroK said:
Looks fine. You might like to think about the relationship between the answers to b) and e).
Oh so will the time it takes to reach the same height from which it was thrown always be double the time for the maximum height since it's halfway? Or are there exceptions?
 
  • #4
gungo said:
Oh so will the time it takes to reach the same height from which it was thrown always be double the time for the maximum height since it's halfway? Or are there exceptions?
Motion under constant gravity is symmetrical, so the downward motion is a mirror image of the upward motion.

In particular, it takes as long to fall back to the starting point as it does to rise to the highest point. If you want to set yourself a challenge, you could try to prove this using the kinematic equations.
 
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Related to How Do You Calculate the Motion of a Baseball Thrown Upwards?

What is acceleration due to gravity?

Acceleration due to gravity is a measure of how fast an object falls towards the center of the Earth. It is typically denoted by the symbol "g" and has a value of approximately 9.8 meters per second squared.

How is acceleration due to gravity calculated?

Acceleration due to gravity can be calculated using the formula g = G * (m1 + m2) / d^2, where G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two objects, and d is the distance between them. This formula is known as Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation.

Does acceleration due to gravity change?

Yes, acceleration due to gravity can vary depending on the location and mass of the objects involved. It is also affected by factors such as altitude and the rotation of the Earth.

Why is acceleration due to gravity important?

Acceleration due to gravity is important because it helps us understand and predict the motion of objects on Earth. It is also a fundamental concept in physics and is used in many equations and calculations.

What is the difference between acceleration due to gravity and gravitational force?

Acceleration due to gravity refers to the rate at which an object falls towards the center of the Earth, while gravitational force refers to the pull between two objects with mass. Acceleration due to gravity is a type of gravitational force, but it is specific to the Earth's gravitational pull.

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