Calculating Time Taken for an Object Dropped from 40 m & Weighing 53kg

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the time taken for an object to fall from a height of 40 meters, with a focus on the principles of motion under gravity. The problem is situated within the context of kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore different methods for calculating the fall time, including integration of acceleration and using equations of motion. There are questions about the derivation of specific terms, such as the factor of 4.9 in the equations presented.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and reasoning, while others express confusion about specific steps in the derivation process. Multiple approaches are being discussed, but there is no explicit consensus on a single method or outcome.

Contextual Notes

Assumptions include neglecting air resistance and using standard gravitational acceleration. There is a mention of sign conventions in the context of motion direction.

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Okay, I need some help working out the time taken for an object to fall, please Can you tell me how its done, with the working out, Thanks in advance.
This is the question:
An object is dropped from 40metres and weighs 53kg, Whats the time taken for it to hit ground.
 
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Weight (or mass, which is really what you give) is irrelevant. Assuming no air resistance (which I have to since you didn't give any coefficient for resistance) acceleration is constant: -9.8 m/s2.

The velocity after t seconds is -9.8t m/s and the distance fallen is the negative of the integral of that: 4.9t2 m.

4.9t2= 40 gives t2= 40/4.9= 8.16 so t= √(8.16)= 2.8 seconds.
 
Thanks for that, Really appreciate it, however I am a bit confused on how you managed to get 4.9:S
 
The integral of -9.8t would be -9.8t^2/2=-4.9t^2 then you were supposed to take the negative which equals 4.9t^2
 
I would use one of those 4 equations of motion. If you take
v = final velocity
u = initial velocity
a = acceleration
s = displacement
t = time taken

s = ut + 1/2at^2
sign convention i think its called means you can keep downwards to be the positive direction.
v = not needed
u = 0
a = 9.8
s = 40
t = ??

40 = 0*t + 1/2*9.8*t^2

40 = 4.9t^2

40/4.9 = t^2 so square root of 40/4.9 = t which is equal to 2.9seconds.

(That equation is derived from a = (v-u)/t and the area under the curve of a velocity/time graph)

Hope this helps.
 

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