Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was Lorenzo Cain's situation in the game when he stepped up to the plate?
What was Lorenzo Cain's situation in the game when he stepped up to the plate?
What was the speed of the pitch thrown by Tigers pitcher Jose Valverde?
What was the speed of the pitch thrown by Tigers pitcher Jose Valverde?
What technology is used to track the path of baseballs in major league stadiums?
What technology is used to track the path of baseballs in major league stadiums?
What is the purpose of computer programs like PITCH f/x?
What is the purpose of computer programs like PITCH f/x?
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Which scientific discipline is mentioned as relating to baseball in the context of energy and motion?
Which scientific discipline is mentioned as relating to baseball in the context of energy and motion?
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What factors determine how far a baseball travels after being hit?
What factors determine how far a baseball travels after being hit?
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What was the emotional state of the fans watching the game as Cain's ball was hit?
What was the emotional state of the fans watching the game as Cain's ball was hit?
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What do some scientists do in relation to baseball, aside from loving the game?
What do some scientists do in relation to baseball, aside from loving the game?
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What does Newton's First Law state about an object in motion?
What does Newton's First Law state about an object in motion?
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What effect does drag have on a pitched baseball?
What effect does drag have on a pitched baseball?
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How does backspin affect the trajectory of a baseball?
How does backspin affect the trajectory of a baseball?
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What is the primary characteristic of a knuckleball in baseball?
What is the primary characteristic of a knuckleball in baseball?
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Which factor does NOT contribute to the drag on a baseball?
Which factor does NOT contribute to the drag on a baseball?
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What happens to a baseball if it is not acted upon by any force?
What happens to a baseball if it is not acted upon by any force?
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What is the role of gravity on a baseball after it is pitched?
What is the role of gravity on a baseball after it is pitched?
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Which type of pitch is Valverde known for throwing?
Which type of pitch is Valverde known for throwing?
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What are the red stitches on a baseball designed to do?
What are the red stitches on a baseball designed to do?
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What effect does a high-speed pitch lose as it travels towards the batter?
What effect does a high-speed pitch lose as it travels towards the batter?
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Study Notes
The Game Incident
- On June 12, the Kansas City Royals faced the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium.
- Royals had not scored any runs, trailing two runs to the Tigers at the bottom of the ninth.
- Centerfielder Lorenzo Cain was at the plate, needing a hit to keep the game alive.
- After starting with two strikes, Cain faced a fastball from Tigers pitcher Jose Valverde exceeding 90 mph (145 km/h).
- Cain hit the ball, sending it soaring into the stands, thrilling the 24,564 spectators.
Physics in Action
- Major league baseball stadiums employ radar and cameras to track the ball's speed and position.
- Specialized computer programs, such as PITCH f/x, analyze data on pitches, including speed, spin, and trajectory.
- Physicists study baseball to understand the links between energy transfer during a swing and the resulting ball trajectory.
Newtonian Physics
- Isaac Newton's First Law states that an object stays in motion unless acted upon by an outside force.
- A baseball remains stationary until hit by a bat or propelled by a pitch.
- Once moving, external forces like gravity and air drag influence the ball’s speed and direction.
- Gravity causes a pitched ball to follow an arc and slows it down as it travels.
Effects of Drag and Spin
- Drag, a form of friction with air, slows pitched balls; factors such as the ball's surface can influence this effect.
- A baseball's 108 stitches roughen its surface, affecting drag.
- Increasing backspin on a ball can enhance its lift and distance, allowing it to stay airborne longer.
- A knuckleball is characterized by minimal spin, creating erratic movement and unpredictability for batters.
Pitching Techniques
- The splitter, or split-finger fastball, thrown by Valverde, is designed to create a drop just as it nears the plate, complicating a batter's timing.
- Cain’s successful hit showcases how science and athletic skill converge in baseball, making it a rich subject for both sports enthusiasts and scientists.
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Description
This quiz explores a thrilling moment in a Kansas City Royals game against the Detroit Tigers, focusing on centerfielder Lorenzo Cain's crucial at-bat. With two strikes and the team facing a loss, Cain's performance could change the game's outcome. Test your knowledge of this exciting baseball showdown.
