In the game of baseball, a pitcher throws a curve ball with as much spin as possible. This spin makes the ball “curve” on its way to the batter. In a typical case, the ball spins at about 20.5 revolutions per minute. What is the maximum centripetal acceleration of a point on the edge of the baseball? Assume the diameter of the baseball is approximately 10 cm.

Question

In the game of baseball, a pitcher throws a curve ball with as much spin as possible. This spin makes the ball “curve” on its way to the batter. In a typical case, the ball spins at about 20.5 revolutions per minute. What is the maximum centripetal acceleration of a point on the edge of the baseball?  Assume  the diameter of the baseball is approximately 10 cm.

drwls · Answer

centripetal acceleration = R*w^2

R = 5.0 cm
w is the angular velocity in radians/sec

20.5 rpm = 2.15 rad/s

That would not be much of a curve ball. 20.5 rpm is rather slow rotation and practically a knuckle ball.

drwls · Answer

The curve ball spin rate you were given is way off. It is typically over 20 revolutions per SECOND. See (Broken Link Removed)