Question

a baseball is traveling (+20 m/s) and is hit by a bat. it leaves the bat traveling (-30 m/s). what is the change in the velocity? remember that direction is what makes velocity different than speed. 50 m/s 30 m/s 20 m/s 10 m/s

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for change in velocity

The formula for change in velocity \(\Delta v\) is \(\Delta v=v_{final}-v_{initial}\)

Step2: Identify \(v_{final}\) and \(v_{initial}\)

Given \(v_{initial} = + 20\space m/s\) and \(v_{final}=-30\space m/s\)

Step3: Substitute values into the formula

\(\Delta v=-30-(+20)\)
\(\Delta v=-30 - 20\)
\(\Delta v=- 50\space m/s\)

The magnitude of the change in velocity (since we are asked for the change, and direction is already accounted for in the sign, but if we consider just the numerical value of the change) is \(50\space m/s\)

Answer:

50 m/s