Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a ball thrown vertically upward from a height of 3.6 meters with an initial velocity of 2.8 m/s. Participants are tasked with calculating the total time the ball spends in the air, which includes both its ascent and descent.
Discussion Character
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants explore the use of kinematic equations to model the ball's motion, particularly focusing on displacement and time. There are attempts to apply the quadratic formula to find the time, but confusion arises regarding the correct interpretation of displacement.
Discussion Status
Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the problem, emphasizing the need to consider the ball's ascent and descent separately. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the displacement values and the application of the equations, with some participants questioning the assumptions made about the initial and final positions.
Contextual Notes
There is ongoing confusion about the net displacement used in the calculations, particularly whether to treat the initial height as positive or negative. Participants are also grappling with the implications of constant acceleration due to gravity and how it affects their calculations.