Acceleration in free fall: find final velocity and height

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a student dropping a ball from a height, with the goal of determining the ball's final speed just before impact and the height of the building. The context is centered around concepts of free fall and kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relevant equations for motion under gravity and identify known variables such as time and acceleration. There are inquiries about the initial velocity and how it relates to the problem setup. Some participants express uncertainty about missing variables and how to approach the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the initial conditions of the problem, particularly the initial velocity of the ball. Some participants have expressed confidence in their understanding, while others are still seeking clarity on how to proceed with the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of potential confusion regarding the initial velocity since the ball is dropped, and participants are considering the implications of this on their calculations. Additionally, there is a reference to the Pythagorean theorem, indicating some uncertainty about the relationship between the variables involved.

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Homework Statement


A student drops a ball from the top of a tall building; it takes 2.5 s for the ball to reach the ground.

A.What was the ball’s speed just before hitting the ground?
B.What is the height of the building?


Homework Equations


v=V(not) + at

x=V(not)t + 1/2at(Squared)

V(Squared) =V(not) + 2ax




The Attempt at a Solution



I wrote the following

V(not) = ?
a= 9.80 (Because it is a free fall question?)
t= 2.5
v= ?
x= ?

I think I am missing a variable but I do not know which one.

thanks


EDIT: Will I have to do A2+B2=C2?

If so what will be the legs and what will be the hyp?
 
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x=V(not)t + 1/2at(Squared)

There is only one unknown in this equation.

and this v=V(not) + at
 


Jebus_Chris said:
x=V(not)t + 1/2at(Squared)

There is only one unknown in this equation.

and this v=V(not) + at

How do I figure out the other varibles
I have a and t only how do I figure out the 3rd one?
 


Vo or V(not) is your initial velocity. In the problem it says that the student drops the ball, what does that mean according to the initial velocity?
 


I got it
I got it
I got it
I got it
I got it



Yeah!

Thanks for your help man!
 

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