Ball Dropping vs Throwing (1d Kinematics)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing the motion of two balls: one thrown upward from the ground with an initial speed of 30 m/s and another dropped from a height of 20 m. The objective is to determine the time at which both balls reach the same height.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss using the kinematic equation for both balls and suggest setting their height equations equal to find the time of intersection. Questions arise about the initial conditions and the correct setup of the equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to set up the equations based on the initial conditions of each ball. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct interpretation of the variables and how to combine the equations to solve for time.

Contextual Notes

Participants are clarifying the definitions of variables such as initial height and initial velocity, and there is a focus on ensuring the equations are set up correctly based on the chosen reference level.

Kildars
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A ball is thrown upward from the ground with an initial speed of 30 m/s; at the same instant, a ball is dropped from a building 20 m high. After how long will the balls be at the same height?

Again, some guidance on where to start would help me crack this one better.
 
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[tex]y=y_0+v_0t+\frac {1} {2}at^2[/tex]
Use this equation for both balls using the same zero level. Their Y levels will be the same so you can put both equations together and solve for t.
 
BishopUser said:
[tex]y=y_0+v_0t+\frac {1} {2}at^2[/tex]
Use this equation for both balls using the same zero level. Their Y levels will be the same so you can put both equations together and solve for t.

Is y 20? and y0 = 0? I know that Vo is 0.
 
y = the position at which the 2 balls meet
y0 is the initial position. If you set the 0 level at the ground then the ground ball y0 = 0 and the building ball y0 = 20. The building ball will have v0 = 0, the ground one will have v0=30m/s. Make 2 different equations with that information, combine then, solve for T
 
Building Ball y = 20 + 0t + 1/2(-9.81)t^2
Ground Ball y = 0 + 30t + 1/2(-9.81)t^2

Do I combine them by doing y = 20 + 30t + 1/2(-9.8)t^2
 
both equations are equal to the same y, so you combine them by setting them equal to one another

20 + 0t + 1/2(-9.81)t^2 = 0 + 30t + 1/2(-9.81)t^2
20 = 30t
t = 2/3 seconds
 
BishopUser said:
both equations are equal to the same y, so you combine them by setting them equal to one another

20 + 0t + 1/2(-9.81)t^2 = 0 + 30t + 1/2(-9.81)t^2
20 = 30t
t = 2/3 seconds

Thank you, you learn something everyday :)
 

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