The wind's effect on a baseball hit into the air can be best described as causing a negative acceleration on the ball. Here's why:
1. **Negative Acceleration:** When the wind hits the ball, it can create drag or air resistance, which acts in the direction opposite to the ball's motion. This air resistance will slow down the ball, leading to a negative acceleration as it opposes the ball's initial velocity. So, the wind's effect is to decelerate the ball by working against its motion.
2. **Friction and Force:** The wind does not directly affect the friction on the ball or increase the amount of force the ball has. Friction usually refers to the resistance between two surfaces in contact, and the wind's impact on the ball is more related to air resistance (drag) than friction. Similarly, the wind does not increase the force the ball has but instead acts as an external force that opposes the ball's movement.
Therefore, the most accurate statement describing the wind's effect on the ball is that it will cause a negative acceleration on the ball, slowing it down as it travels through the air.
