To analyze the impact of using a baseball with a greater mass on the flight of the ball, we can use the concept of kinetic energy and speed.
The kinetic energy (KE) of an object is given by the formula:
\[ KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 \]
where \( m \) is the mass of the object and \( v \) is its velocity (speed).
If the league uses a ball with a much greater mass, and if we assume that the energy transferred to the ball during a hit (for example, from a bat) remains the same, we can analyze how this would impact speed.
- Given the same kinetic energy: If the new (heavier) ball has a greater mass but the same kinetic energy is applied, we need to consider that as mass increases, for the same amount of kinetic energy, the speed must decrease.
From the kinetic energy formula, rearranging for velocity gives:
\[ v = \sqrt{\frac{2KE}{m}} \]
As \( m \) increases (with \( KE \) remaining constant), \( v \) must decrease.
Therefore, the correct response is:
The ball would travel at a lower speed, given the same kinetic energy.