Physics of Baseball & Softball

This book teaches the physics of baseball and softball in conversational style, for those without extensive physics training, using words and illustrations that make sense. Includes simple experiments readers can perform, and appendices of supporting equations.

This book describes the physics of baseball and softball, assuming that the reader has a basic background in both physics and mathematics. The physics will be explained in a conversational style, with words and illustrations, so that the explanations make sense. The book provides an excellent opportunity to explain physics at a relatively simple level, even though the primary objective is to explain the many subtle features concerning the physics of baseball. For those readers who already know quite a bit of physics and who will be comfortable with mathematical equations, additional material of this nature will be provided in appendices. The latest research findings and statistical data have been incorporated by the author. The book also contains many simple experiments that the reader can perform to convince themselves that the effects described do indeed exist.

Explains the physics behind the game of baseball instead of explaining baseball in terms of physics Will have wide appeal to individuals who have at least a rudimentary knowledge of physics Physics are discussed in a conversational manner, with few equations Appendices include advanced material for those with a technical background Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Contenu
Preface.- 1. Basic Physics.- 2. Bats and Balls.- 3. Ball Trajectories.- 4. Pitching Trajectories.- 5. Pitching Mechanics.- 6. Swinging a Bat.- 7. Contacting the Ball.- 8. Elastic Properties of Balls.- 9. Ball Hysteresis.- 10. Collisions.- 11.Bat Performance.- 12. Bat Vibrations.- 13. The Trampoline Effect.- 14. The Sweet Spot of a Baseball Bat.- 15. Flexible Bat Handles.- 16. Ball Bounce and Spin.- 17. Ball Spin Generated by a Bat.- 18. Bat and Ball Projects.- Conversion Factors.