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.
Daftar Isi
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.