Question

Rodney hit a high fly ball over second base in a championship baseball game. Because the ball was also being acted on by the force due to gravity, the ball will — Which of the following is the correct outcome?

A) travel at the same speed until it hits the ground.
B) speed up as it comes off the bat, keep its same direction, and then slow down as it falls to the ground.
C) slow down, change direction, and then speed up until it falls to the ground.
D) travel in the same direction until it hits the ground.

Answer 1

The ball hit by Rodney will slow down, change direction at its peak, and then accelerate downward due to gravity until it hits the ground.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Rodney hits a high fly ball over second base in a championship baseball game, the ball is subject to gravity which means it will C) slow down, change direction, and then speed up until it falls to the ground. This phenomenon occurs because initially when the ball flies upward, its speed decreases due to the opposing force of gravity. When it reaches its peak, the direction of the motion changes, and it begins to fall back down, accelerating due to gravity until it hits the ground.

The significance of this case lies in the fact that upon leaving the bat, the ball is in free fall, with gravity acting as the sole force thus leading to a parabolic trajectory. The ball will not maintain the same speed throughout its flight, and its direction changes from upward to downward. Additionally, air resistance may play a role, further altering the ball's speed and path.