Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

How does changing the velocity/speed of a baseball bat change how far the ball is hit?

How does changing the mass of a baseball bat affect how far it is hit?

How does corking a baseball bat change the bat?

Why does corking a baseball bat change the baseball bat?

How does the angle of the bat affect how far the baseball is hit?

Why does the angle of the bat affect how far the baseball is hi

How does the velocity/speed of the baseball affect how far the ball goes?

How does the length of the bat affect how far the ball goes?

How will external factors such as wind, air pressure, and temperature affect how far the ball will go?

Does the position of the batter (left or right side of the batters box) affect how far the ball goes?

How does changing the velocity/speed of a baseball bat change how far the ball is hit?
This is not really considered cheating. The intuitive answer is that the faster the baseball bat, the farther the ball is hit (assuming solid contact is made)

How does changing the mass of a baseball bat affect how far it is hit?
The more massive the ball, the more energy is required to hit the ball far. However, if it is too light, then air resistance becomes a factor (consider hitting a bowling ball vs. hitting a tissue.)

How does corking a baseball bat change the bat?
http://www.bostonbaseball.com/whitesox/ ... ysics.html

Why does corking a baseball bat change the baseball bat?
See the above link

How does the angle of the bat affect how far the baseball is hit?
I don't quite understand the question?

Why does the angle of the bat affect how far the baseball is hi
Same as above, could you restate?

How does the velocity/speed of the baseball affect how far the ball goes?

Also intuitive; the faster the baseball, the farther it goes.

How does the length of the bat affect how far the ball goes?
A longer bay should provcide more power, but is more difficult to wield. Too short, and you lose power. This is often the choice of the hitter.

How will external factors such as wind, air pressure, and temperature affect how far the ball will go?
Stadiums with less airpressure (google Coors Field of the Colorado Rockies) are known for having lots of homeruns.

Does the position of the batter (left or right side of the batters box) affect how far the ball goes?
No, but it does matter whether the homerun wall is farther in left field oro right field.