Distance traveled by a rock dropped off of a cliff....

Did you use the equation d = 1/2at^2 to try and find the time it would take to fall the second half of the distance? If so, you need to plug in the appropriate values for distance and acceleration, and then solve for time. Your approach was on the right track, but you need to use the correct equation and values to get the correct answer.In summary, to find the time it takes for an object to fall the second half of a given distance, you can use the equation d = 1/2at^2 and plug in the appropriate values for distance and acceleration. This will give you the time it takes for the object to fall the second half of the distance.
  • #1
Carol-Anne
1
0

Homework Statement


a rock is dropped off a cliff and falls the first half of the distance to the ground in 2.0 seconds.

Homework Equations


How long will it take to fall the second half?

The Attempt at a Solution


i thought if i took the square root of two and then subtracted that from 1/2t that would be the answer but apparently not
 
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  • #2
Welcome to the PF.

Please write out the equations of kinematic motion in a constant acceleration force field (gravity). That will help you to start to show your Attempt at the Solution. Thanks.:smile:
 
  • #3
Carol-Anne said:

The Attempt at a Solution


i thought if i took the square root of two and then subtracted that from 1/2t that would be the answer but apparently not
What was your reasoning here?
 

1. What factors affect the distance traveled by a rock dropped off of a cliff?

The distance traveled by a rock dropped off of a cliff is affected by several factors, including the height of the cliff, the mass of the rock, and the presence of air resistance. The shape and density of the rock can also play a role in its distance traveled.

2. How does the height of the cliff impact the distance the rock will travel?

The height of the cliff has a direct effect on the distance traveled by a rock. This is because the higher the cliff, the longer the rock has to accelerate due to the force of gravity before hitting the ground. As a result, a rock dropped from a higher cliff will travel further than one dropped from a lower cliff.

3. Does the mass of the rock affect its distance traveled?

Yes, the mass of the rock does have an impact on its distance traveled. A heavier rock will have a greater force of gravity acting on it, causing it to accelerate and travel further than a lighter rock.

4. How does air resistance affect the distance traveled by a rock?

Air resistance can significantly impact the distance traveled by a rock dropped off of a cliff. The presence of air resistance will cause the rock to slow down as it falls, resulting in a shorter distance traveled. This effect is more pronounced for objects with a larger surface area, such as flat rocks, compared to those with a smaller surface area, like a round pebble.

5. Is there a way to calculate the exact distance a rock will travel when dropped off of a cliff?

While there are certain equations that can be used to estimate the distance traveled by a falling object, there are many variables at play that can make it difficult to calculate the exact distance. The most accurate way to determine the distance traveled by a rock dropped off of a cliff would be to conduct a physical experiment and measure the distance directly.

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