Calculating Time and Weight in a Lunar Cliff Drop

  • Thread starter Sidearm
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In summary, there are two separate problems to be solved in this conversation. The first one involves finding the time delay between two lightning strikes at different distances from an observer. The second one involves calculating the time it takes for a rock to fall from a certain height on the moon, as well as determining its weight. The conversation provides guidance on how to approach these problems, such as using the equations for distance and time, as well as force and acceleration.
  • #1
Sidearm
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i have a physics assignment and can't do a few questions, normally i would not resort to asking, but i am really stuck

1. 2 lightning strikes occur simultaneously 10km apart if an observer was 2km from one and 8km from another
a) find the time delay between the first flash and the second reaching him
b) the time delay between the sound of the closer strike and the distant strike reaching him,

2. if i dropped a 40kg rock over the edge of a 60m high cliff on the moon, where g = 1.64ms -1
a) how long would the rock take to reach the ground
b) what would the rocks weight be

Any help would be greatly appreciated, also if you could mention how to do this for future reference that would be great
 
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  • #2
1a) Do you know the speed of light? Its 3 x 10^8m/s
With this speed, and the distances, 8km, and 2km, find the time it takes to get him.

The equation for this is [itex] t = \frac{d}{v} [/itex]

The time delay between two events is [itex] t_2-t_1 [/itex]

Now do the same with sound, sound has a speed of 340m/s, One million times less than the speed of light.

The numbers for a) will be pretty small, the numbers of b) will be a few seconds each.

2. You know the position equation for an object in free fall is:

[tex] x(t)-x_0 = v_0t + \frac{gt^2}{2} [/tex]

Since there was no initial position (x-x_0) or initial velocity (v_0), the equation simplifies to:

[tex] h = \frac{gt^2}{2} [/tex]

You can solve this for t by rearranging and taking the square root, from there a) should be fairly easy.

Weight is a measure of the force of an object due to gravity, what is the equation for force? You are given a mass, and an acceleration. Find the force.
 
  • #3
thanx for your help.
it has helped heaps
 

What is lightning?

Lightning is a sudden and powerful natural electrical discharge that occurs during thunderstorms. It is caused by the separation of positive and negative charges within a cloud, or between a cloud and the ground.

How does lightning strike?

Lightning strikes when the negatively charged base of a cloud is attracted to the positively charged ground or another cloud. This attraction is caused by the difference in electrical potential between the two areas, and results in a powerful bolt of electricity.

What happens when lightning strikes a person?

When a person is struck by lightning, the electrical current passes through their body, potentially causing burns, nerve damage, and even cardiac arrest. However, most people who are struck by lightning survive, thanks to advancements in medical treatment.

What are the chances of being struck by lightning?

The chances of being struck by lightning in any given year are about 1 in 500,000. However, this can vary depending on factors such as location, occupation, and behavior during a storm. It is important to take precautions and seek shelter during a thunderstorm to minimize the risk of being struck by lightning.

Can lightning strike the same place twice?

Yes, lightning can strike the same place multiple times. In fact, tall structures such as skyscrapers and lightning rods are often struck multiple times during a storm due to their height and the attraction of their metal components. However, lightning does tend to strike the highest point in an area, so it is important to avoid being the tallest object in an open area during a storm.

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