A pitcher throws a 142 g baseball, which accelerates at a speed of 9 m/s^2. How much force does the pitcher apply to the ball?
To calculate the force applied by the pitcher to the ball, we can use Newton's second law of motion, which states that force (F) is equal to mass (m) multiplied by acceleration (a).
Given:
Mass of the baseball (m) = 142 g = 0.142 kg
Acceleration of the baseball (a) = 9 m/s^2
Using the formula, we can calculate the force (F):
F = m * a
F = 0.142 kg * 9 m/s^2
F = 1.278 N
Therefore, the pitcher applies a force of approximately 1.278 Newtons (N) to the ball.
To find the force exerted by the pitcher on the baseball, you can use Newton's second law of motion, which states that force (F) is equal to the mass (m) of an object multiplied by its acceleration (a): F = m * a.
1. Convert the mass of the baseball to kilograms: Since the baseball is given in grams (g), you need to convert it to kilograms (kg). There are 1000 grams in a kilogram, so divide the mass by 1000:
Mass of baseball = 142 g ÷ 1000 = 0.142 kg
2. Substitute the values into the formula: Plug in the mass and acceleration values into the formula for force:
F = m * a
F = 0.142 kg * 9 m/s^2
3. Calculate the force: Multiply the mass (0.142 kg) by the acceleration (9 m/s^2) to find the force:
F = 0.142 kg * 9 m/s^2
F = 1.278 kg·m/s^2
Therefore, the pitcher applies a force of 1.278 kg·m/s^2 to the baseball.