Chapter 12, Problem 3A

Which is easier to get swinging, a baseball bat held at the end, or one held closer to the massive end (choked up)?

To determine

Whether it is easier to swing a baseball bat held at the end or held closer to the massive end.

Answer to Problem 3A

A baseball bat held closer to the massive end is easier to swing than a baseball bat held at the end.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The rotational inertia is the resistance of an object that helps it in changing the rotational motion. The relation for the rotational inertia is,

$I=m{r}^2$

Here, $m$ is the mass and $r$ is the radial distance.

The rotational inertia depends on the distribution of mass. Rotational inertia is affected by the distance between the axes of rotation and an object’s mass concentration. An increase in distance will increase rotational inertia. If the bat is choked up, then the rotational inertia will reduce which makes it easier to bring up the speed. The rotational inertia of the bat held nearer to the massive end is much less in comparison to the bat held at the end. Hence, a baseball bat held nearer to the heavier end is relatively easy to swing.

Conclusion:

Thus, a baseball bat that is held closer to the massive end will swingeasily in comparison to a baseball bat held at the end.