A baseball is hit upward from a height of 3 feet with an initial velocity of 80 feet per second

Question

Approximate the time that the ball is at its maximum height

Answer 1

Equation 1. is used here:

velocity at maximum height = v = 0

initial velocity = v₀ = 80 ft/sec

a = -g = -32 ft/sec

Note that it does not matter that the initial height is 3 feet here or if it is on the ground or 500 feet in the air. The acceleration of gravity, g, to slow it down to a stop, where v = 0 is the same in all cases.

Equation 1. v = v₀ + at

0 = 80 ft/sec + (-32 ft/sec²)* t

t = -80 ft/sec / -32 ft/sec²

t = 2.5 seconds

The baseball is at its maximum height 2.5 seconds after it is hit in an upward direction is the answer you seek.

If you like the way I have explained this, please leave a comment, take a look at my tutoring page, and send me a message letting me know you liked it!

Thanks!

John B.

Atlanta, GA