The Physics of Baseball: How Far Can You Throw?

A sports science activity by Science Buddies

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What is one trick to throwing a ball farther? Learn a little about physics--and how those baseball outfielders can make such impressive plays--with this fastmoving activity! 

Key conceptsMotionResistance

Introduction

Background

When air resistance is very low, a projectile moves in the shape of a parabola—a type of mathematical curve. (You can do an Internet search for "parabola" to see what one looks like.) The path the ball follows (called its trajectory) will determine how far it goes before it hits the ground. Adjusting the ball’s initial angle and keeping its initial speed constant is one way to find out the best angle to throw a ball as far as possible. In this experiment you will throw a ball as hard as you can while changing the ball's initial angle relative to the ground. What angle do you think will make the ball go the farthest?

Materials

• Sports ball of your choice (baseball, tennis ball, football, etcetera)
• Large open area to throw the ball
• Three each of three different objects to mark where the ball lands on the ground (for example, three sticks, three rocks and three golf balls)
• Helper

Preparation

• Make sure you have a large, open area to throw, and that there are no other people or objects in the way.
• Do some stretching or warm-up exercises before you start the experiment—it will involve a lot of throwing!
• Pick a place to stand in your large, open area. Mark a place on the ground so you know to always throw the ball from that location.
• Pick a direction to throw your ball. (If it is a windy day, make sure you pick a consistent direction relative to the wind.)

Procedure

• Throw your ball as hard as you can, relatively straight forward at a "shallow" angle—as parallel to the ground as you can. If you are familiar with measuring angles in degrees, imagine trying to throw the ball at about a 15-degree angle relative to the ground.
• Have your helper mark where the ball lands (for example, with a rock).
• Repeat the throw at that angle two more times. Try to consistently throw the ball as hard as you can, so its initial speed is constant. Have your volunteer mark each through.
• Now repeat the procedure for a "medium" angle (outward and upward) of about 45 degrees three times. Remember to try and consistently throw the ball as hard as possible. Use a different marker object for where these throws land.
• Now, do the same for a "steep" angle (up in the air and slightly forward but not straight up) of about 75 degrees. Remember to try and consistently throw the ball as hard as possible. Use another different type of marker for this batch of throws.
• Now, analyze the results of your experiment by looking at the markers.
• Extra: Try the experiment using different types of balls.
• Extra: Repeat the exercise, this time kicking a ball instead.

Observations and results

Depending on the type of ball and the amount of air resistance on it, however, you might see different results. A ball that has a lot of air resistance (such as a whiffle ball) might slow down significantly when it is in the air for a long time, so it might actually go farther at a shallower angle.

More to exploreHow Far Can You Throw (or Kick) a Ball?, from Science BuddiesProjectile Motion, from the Physics ClassroomScience Activities for All Ages!, from Science Buddies

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