Final answer:
The initial potential energy of the baseball can be calculated using the equation P.E. = mgh. The final kinetic energy of the baseball can be calculated using the equation K.E. = (1/2)mv². We cannot calculate the total energy dissipated by the falling baseball due to air resistance without more information.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the initial potential energy of the baseball, we need to use the equation for potential energy: P.E. = mgh, where m is the mass of the baseball, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²), and h is the height of the Empire State Building.
Using the given values, we have:
P.E. = (.145 kg)(9.8 m/s²)(1250 ft * 0.3048 m/ft)
The final kinetic energy of the baseball can be calculated using the equation: K.E. = (1/2)mv², where m is the mass of the baseball and v is the final velocity.
However, the final velocity is not given, so we cannot calculate the exact value. We can only calculate the maximum possible final velocity, which occurs when the baseball reaches the ground with no air resistance.
To calculate the total energy dissipated by the falling baseball due to air resistance, we need to compute the line integral of the force of air resistance along the total distance of fall.
Unfortunately, we do not have enough information about the force of air resistance to calculate this value.
Therefore, we cannot compare this value to the difference between the baseball's initial potential energy and its final kinetic energy.