Calculating Ball Velocity Dropped From Moving Helicopter

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the velocity of a ball dropped from a helicopter that is moving vertically at 5.0 m/s. Participants explore the implications of the helicopter's motion on the initial velocity of the ball, considering different scenarios of vertical movement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the original velocity of the ball is 5 m/s relative to the ground and will be at rest relative to the helicopter at the moment of release.
  • Another participant agrees with the 5.0 m/s upward velocity but notes that this is only true if the helicopter is moving upward.
  • A different participant emphasizes that the term "vertically" does not specify the direction of the helicopter's movement, indicating uncertainty about whether it is moving upward or downward.
  • Some participants engage in a side discussion about the nature of the comments made, with one expressing that the accuracy of the discussion is important.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the initial velocity of the ball, as there are competing views regarding the direction of the helicopter's movement and its implications for the ball's velocity.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the ambiguity in the term "vertically" and the assumptions that must be made regarding the helicopter's direction of motion. There is also a lack of resolution regarding the implications of these assumptions on the ball's velocity.

Haftred
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This might be a stupid question, but if a helicopter is moving at 5.0 m/s vertically, and one drops a ball off the helicopter, what is the original velocity of the ball?
 
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5m/s... relative to the ground and it will be in rest relative to the helicopter. Ofcourse only a splitsecond later this will not be true and the ball will accellerate under the influence of gravity.
 
Last edited:
5.0m/s upward.
 
Nenad said:
5.0m/s upward.

Only if the helicopter was moving upward. The original post said vertically, so you don't know if it's moving upward or downwards.
 
da_willem said:
Only if the helicopter was moving upward. The original post said vertically, so you don't know if it's moving upward or downwards.

if your trying to rack up posts, go ahead, but comments like that are not needed. :smile:
 
Nenad said:
if your trying to rack up posts, go ahead, but comments like that are not needed. :smile:

K, you are right, I was trying to be too accurate...over such an obvious thing. :blush:
 

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