An apple falls from a tree and 0.5 second later hits the ground

[espo]

will you tell me if my answer is correct? An apple falls from a tree
and 0.5 second later hits the ground. how fst is the apple falling
when it hits the ground. i think it is v = gt 5.0m/s2

 

[chroot]

Originally posted by espo
will you tell me if my answer is correct? An apple falls from a tree
and 0.5 second later hits the ground. how fst is the apple falling
when it hits the ground. i think it is v = gt 5.0m/s2

Yes, espo, that's correct. Since the apple experiences a constant acceleration, its velocity is growing at a constant rate. In other words, the apple's velocity increases by 9.8 m/s during every second it falls.

In a half a second, its velocity increases only half of what it would in a full second, or approximately 5 m/s.

(Be careful with your units -- I believe you meant to say v = gt = 5 m/s, not 5 m/s^2.)

- Warren

 

[M98Ranger]

Yes, your answer is correct. The formula for calculating the velocity of a falling object is v = gt, where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2 on Earth). In this case, the apple would be falling at a velocity of 4.9 m/s when it hits the ground.