Question

Suppose a player hits several baseballs. Which baseball will be in the air for the longest time?
A).The one with the farthest range
B).The one which reaches maximum height
C)The one with the greatest initial velocity
D).The one leaving the bat at 45 degrees angle with the ground.

Answer 1

Here, in this question we will first know about the time of flight. This will help us know the answer and solve it easily. Further we will discuss the changes in potential and kinetic energy when an object is at a certain height, for our better understanding.

Complete step by step solution:
Here, as we know that time of flight is defined as the measurement of the time taken by an object or particle to travel a distance through a medium.
So, we can directly say that time of flight depends on the maximum height reached by a projectile.

Therefore, the correct option is B) i.e., the baseball with the maximum height will be in the air for the longest time with respect to other baseballs.

Additional information:
As we know that when an object or particle is at a certain height, it gains potential energy.
Further, as we know that energy is defined as the ability to do work. Energy can be found in many things and can take different forms, like-kinetic energy is the energy of motion, and potential energy is energy due to an object's position or structure.
We also know that, according to the law of conservation of energy, energy can neither be created nor be destroyed; rather it can only be transferred from one form to another. Here, in this question electrical energy is transferred to heat energy.

Note:
Here, we should remember that time of flight can be measured for waves as well. Total energy is given by the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy. The S.I unit of energy is Joule. At the maximum height the potential energy is maximum and kinetic energy is zero.