If you were trying to determine the kinetic energy of a baseball when it hits a window. What information data would you need to collect

Answer 1

To determine the kinetic energy of a baseball when it hits a window, you would need to collect the following information data:

1. Mass of the baseball: This can be measured using a scale or obtained from the official measurements provided for baseballs.
2. Velocity of the baseball: You would need to measure or calculate the speed at which the baseball is traveling just before it hits the window. This can be done using a radar gun or a high-speed camera.
3. Impact duration: Knowing the time it takes for the baseball to come to a stop or change direction upon impact with the window can help in determining the kinetic energy. This can be estimated by measuring the duration of the collision using a high-speed camera.
4. Type and thickness of the window glass: Different types of glass have different properties and may shatter or deform differently upon impact. The thickness of the glass can also affect the amount of energy absorbed.
5. Coefficient of restitution (COR): This measures the elasticity of the collision between the baseball and the window. It is a value between 0 and 1, where 1 represents a perfectly elastic collision (no energy loss) and 0 represents a completely inelastic collision (all energy loss). This value can be determined experimentally or obtained from previous research.

With this information, you would be able to calculate the kinetic energy of the baseball using the formula:
Kinetic Energy = 0.5 * mass * (velocity)^2