Final answer:
The acceleration of the baseball after being hit is calculated using the change in velocity and the time interval, resulting in an acceleration of approximately 267.65 m/s² away from the batter.
Step-by-step explanation:
Calculating the Acceleration of the Baseball
The problem involves a baseball changing velocity after being hit by the batter. To solve it, we can use the formula for acceleration (a):
a = Δv / Δt
where:
Δt is the change in time
Since away from the batter is considered positive, the change in velocity is:
Δv = vf - vi = 51.0 m/s - (-40.0 m/s) = 91.0 m/s
The time interval during which this change occurs is 0.34 s. So, the acceleration is:
a = 91.0 m/s / 0.34 s ≈ 267.65 m/s²
The acceleration of the baseball is approximately 267.65 m/s² away from the batter.