Calculating Ball Trajectory from Window Observations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the trajectory of a ball observed moving vertically outside a second-story window. The problem involves determining the time until the ball reappears and its maximum height above the window based on given observations of its motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the type of motion involved, identifying it as one-dimensional vertical motion. They discuss applicable equations of motion and question the value of acceleration due to gravity.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested using kinematic equations to analyze the motion, while others are clarifying the initial conditions and parameters needed for calculations. There is an ongoing exploration of how to apply these equations to derive the necessary values.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with limited information, specifically regarding the initial velocity and the acceleration value, which is assumed to be gravitational acceleration. The problem constraints include the specific time the ball is visible and the distance it travels during that time.

Manni
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Sitting in a second-story apartment, a physicist notices a ball moving straight upward just outside his/her window. The ball is visible for 0.25s as it moves a distance of 1.05m from the bottom to the top of the window. a) How long does it take before the ball reappears? b) What is the greatest height of the ball above the top of the window?

Hey, I don't know how to approach these types of problems. Help?
 
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What type of motion is it?
What equations apply to that type of motion?
 
It's one dimensional motion in the y direction. And, I think the equations that apply are:

d = v(initial)t + (0.5)at^2

v(final)^2 = v(initial)^2 + 2ad
 
Do you know the value of a in these equations?
 
Yeah, a = g.
 
d = v(initial)t + (0.5)at^2
should enable you to find something. Take time zero to be when the ball first appears, and call that initial height zero, too. You should then be able to put in numbers for the ball at the top of the window and then solve for the initial velocity at the bottom of the window.

Finally, use the same equation again to figure out the answer to the first question.
 

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