Aamir asked:


Scientifically, how much energy does it take to shoot a basketball.
Or how much energy does it take to throw a basketball 10ft in the air.
Thanks.

Deondre

One Response to “How much energy does it take to shoot a basketball?”

1. Mugwump on September 21st, 2009 5:36 pm

   Hello,

   I looked around the internet for the weight of a basketball. It is 22 ounces. Let’s convert to Pounds.

   Weight = 22 ounces * (1 lb / 16 ounce)
   Weight = 1.38 lb

   Now the work (energy) to raise an object vertically is m*g*h, and since m * g = Weight;
   Work = Weight * height raised
   Work = 1.38 lb * 10 ft
   Work = 13.8 foot-pounds

   you could convert to calories
   Work = 13.8 foot-pounds * (1 cal / 3.08 foot-pounds)
   Work = 4.48 cal

   Good Luck