A kid falls off the top bunk of a bed, how long till he wakes up?

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The discussion revolves around calculating the time it takes for a child to fall from a top bunk bed that is 2 meters high. The fall can be modeled as an object in free fall, using the equation of motion s = ut + 1/2at², where the initial velocity (u) is zero and acceleration (a) is 9.81 m/s². Participants suggest using conservation of energy principles to derive the final velocity and time of impact. The key focus is on applying physics equations to determine the fall duration. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding basic physics concepts in real-life scenarios.
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2 kids have a sleepover, one kid falls out of the top bunk. The bunk is 2 meters high. How long till wakes up?

I was told "This is fancy way of asking how long it will take an object dropped from two meters with zero initial velocity will take to reach the floor."

Thank you.
 
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ADH said:
I was told "This is fancy way of asking how long it will take an object dropped from two meters with zero initial velocity will take to reach the floor."


Yes it is, so what equation do you know involves these terms? (Remember, acceleration due to gravity is 9.81 m/s2)
 
Well I know the distance = 2 m. The acceleration is 9.8 m/s^2. So we have to find when he hits the ground. I'm not sure how to do this. That's why I posted it.
Thank you.
 
the accln may defined as the change (final - initial, i.e the change here) in velocity devided by the time. construct the eqn. and put initial velocity as zero, get an eqn with time, t and final velocity, v, as two unknown quantities. now get another eqn. equating the initial energy of the boy, potential energy here, and final energy( kinetic energy). it follows from conservation of energy concept. thus u can get an eqn with only one unknown, v. the rest is easy.
 
ADH said:
Well I know the distance = 2 m. The acceleration is 9.8 m/s^2. So we have to find when he hits the ground. I'm not sure how to do this. That's why I posted it.
Thank you.

your relevant equation should be s=ut+1/2at2 where u = initial velocity.
 
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