Frederic Bertley, CEO of the Center of Science and Industry, talks about how physics influences hitting home runs in baseball and the impact of climate change on the game. They discuss the science behind precise hitting, the importance of pitch speed and angle, and how environmental factors can affect gameplay.
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Quick takeaways
Climate change increases home runs in baseball due to faster ball speed in warm air.
Physics principles like pitching speed and hitting angle influence home runs in baseball gameplay.
Deep dives
Impact of Climate Change on Baseball
Climate change is affecting baseball by causing faster pitches and more home runs. With warmer air being less dense than cold air, baseballs travel faster in warm air, leading to increased home runs. The speed of a pitch coming to the batter increases in warm air, facilitating better hits. Climate change alters the dynamics of baseball gameplay, impacting the speed and distance a ball can travel.
Factors Influencing Home Runs
Home runs in baseball are influenced by pitching speed, curve balls, and hitting angle. Faster pitches increase the likelihood of hitting a home run due to Newton's law of motion. Curve balls can alter the trajectory of the ball, affecting its distance. The angle at which the ball is hit plays a crucial role in achieving a home run, following principles of physics and Newtonian mechanics.
Significance of Batting Average in Baseball
Batting average reflects the precision and effectiveness of a baseball player in hitting the ball. Precision in ball placement is crucial for scoring runs, emphasizing the importance of hits over home runs. Players with high batting averages demonstrate consistent success in hitting the ball and getting on base, showcasing skill, strategy, and understanding of the game's dynamics.
It's baseball season! And when we here at Short Wave think of baseball, we naturally think of physics. To get the inside scoop on the physics of baseball, like how to hit a home run, we talk to Frederic Bertley, CEO and President of the Center of Science and Industry, a science museum in Columbus, Ohio. He also talks to host Regina G. Barber about how climate change is affecting the game.
Interested in the science of other sports? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to hear from you.