Final Answer:
The ball was in the air for approximately 1.76 seconds. Option A is answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Identify the relevant equations:
The horizontal motion of the ball is described by the following equation:
x = v_x * t
where:
x is the horizontal distance traveled (70.4 m)
v_x is the initial horizontal velocity (40.0 m/s)
t is the time of flight
Solve for the time of flight:
Rearrange the equation to solve for t:
t = x / v_x
Substitute the known values:
t = 70.4 m / 40.0 m/s
Calculate the time of flight:
t ≈ 1.76 seconds
Therefore, the ball was in the air for approximately 1.76 seconds.
Option A is answer.
Option B (0.54s) is incorrect: This time is too short for the ball to travel the horizontal distance of 70.4 meters.
Option C (1.85s) is incorrect: This time is slightly longer than the correct answer but is still a reasonable estimate.
Option D (12.4s) is incorrect: This time is much too long for the ball to travel the horizontal distance of 70.4 meters.