To determine the work done by the pitcher in accelerating the baseball, we can use the formula:
Work = (1/2) * mass * velocity^2
Given that the mass of the baseball is 250g (or 0.25kg) and the velocity is 50 m/s, we can substitute these values into the formula:
Work = (1/2) * 0.25kg * (50 m/s)^2
= (1/2) * 0.25kg * 2500 m^2/s^2
= 312.5 J
Therefore, the work done by the pitcher is 312.5 Joules.
Since the distance traveled by the baseball is 30 meters, we can use the formula for work done against a force to determine the energy expended:
Energy = work = force * distance
Rearranging the formula, we can solve for force:
force = work / distance = 312.5 J / 30 m = 10.42 N
The energy expended by the pitcher is given by the formula:
Energy = force * distance = 10.42 N * 30 m = 312.5 J
Therefore, the amount of energy expended is 312.5 Joules.
The correct answer is not provided in the options.
A baseball pitcher throws a 250g baseball to make it accelerate to 50 m/s the instant that it leaves his hand. How much energy (in Joules) is expended (how much work is done) if that same baseball travels a distance of 30 meters?
Choose the best answer from the options below:
A 2.8
B 12.5
C 125
D 154
E 375
1 answer