Final answer:
Using Newton's second law (F = ma), the softball's acceleration is calculated to be 100 meters per second squared after being hit by a bat with a 50 N force and having a mass of 0.5 kg.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question is about determining the acceleration rate of a softball after being hit by a bat that exerts a force of 50 N on the softball with a mass of 0.5 kg. To solve this, we can apply Newton's second law of motion, which states that force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). Thus, the acceleration (a) can be calculated by rearranging the equation to a = F/m.
Using the values provided, we have:
a = 50 N / 0.5 kg = 100 m/s2.
Therefore, the softball's acceleration rate will be 100 meters per second squared (m/s2).