Final answer:
The instructor's story about hitting a triple in softball was meant to illustrate Newton's third law of motion by providing a relatable, real-life example of forces and motion. It engages students by connecting complex physics concepts to understandable scenarios and encourages reflective learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The story of the instructor hitting a triple in her old softball days was likely used to illustrate the principles of Newton's third law of motion. When discussing the significance of forces and motion, the story makes the abstract concept of physics more relatable by tying it to a real-life experience. For instance, when a softball player hits a ball, there is an interaction between the bat and the ball, where the force applied to the ball is met with an equal and opposite force exerted on the bat, which can sometimes result in a broken bat, as mentioned in the example of baseball relief pitcher Mariano Rivera's signature pitch.
Such examples help students understand how the concepts of impulse, momentum, and the center of mass are crucial not just in sports but also in everyday scenarios. By sharing a memorable and personal story, the instructor enhances student engagement, helping them connect the physics concepts to situations they can visualize or have experienced themselves, thus making the study of physics more interesting and accessible. This teaching method also acknowledges the importance of reflective learning, where students are encouraged to relate the lessons to their own experiences, thereby deepening their understanding.