A pitcher throws a baseball to a batter who then hits the ball. At which of these times would the ball have its maximum speed? A. just as it leaves the bat B. a second after it leaves the bat C. two seconds after it leaves the bat

A. just as it leaves the bat

Step-by-step explanation:

It depends on the assumptions you make.

If you assume that the speed is reduced by air resistance, and that the hit is a fly ball, then the speed begins to slow as soon as the ball leaves the bat. Its maximum speed will be just as it leaves the bat.

__

If you assume no air resistance and that the ball takes 1 second to reach the ground, the speed will be a maximum just as the ball hits the ground, a second after it leaves the bat.

__

If you assume no air resistance and that the ball takes 2 seconds to reach the ground, the speed will be a maximum just as the ball hits the ground, two seconds after it leaves the bat.

__

Depending on the nature of the pitch and the hit (and the assumptions you make about energy loss and gain), the maximum speed may be as the ball leaves the pitcher's hand, or just as the ball hits the bat.

__

My guess is that the assumptions listed for the first case are the ones you're most likely expected to use. The answer above reflects that choice.