Which two factors affect the behavior of a pitched baseball? (A) vertical leap B) tidal forces C) optimal arc (D) atmospheric conditions (E) gravitational forces

Atmospheric conditions play a significant role in how a pitched baseball behavior unfolds. Factors like humidity, temperature, and wind can either help or hinder the ball's trajectory, affecting everything from drag to lift. For instance, a humid day can make the air denser, causing the ball to experience more drag and potentially slow it down more rapidly. Gravitational forces also affect the behavior of a pitched baseball; however, they are more consistent than other factors. Gravity pulls the ball downward at a constant rate, influencing how far it travels before hitting the ground. Understanding this can help pitchers calculate their throws better, ensuring they achieve the desired outcome when delivering their pitch!