Calculating Final Velocity for a Dropped Golf Ball

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the final velocity of a golf ball dropped from a height of 78 meters after falling 10 meters, the equation v^2 = u^2 + 2ax is used, where u is the initial velocity (0 m/s), a is acceleration (9.8 m/s²), and x is displacement (10 m). The correct calculation yields v^2 = 2 * 9.8 * 10, resulting in v = 14 m/s. The discussion highlights a common mistake of not taking the square root of the final value, which led to confusion. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the physical meaning of the formula in addition to performing the calculations. The issue was resolved once the arithmetic error was identified.
maca_404
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Question is a golf ball is dropped from a height of 78m assuming gravity is 9.8 m s, What is the velocity of the ball after the first 10m.

I assume the equation to use is v^2=u^2+2ax

v = Final velocity
u = Initial Velocity
a = Acceleration
x = Displacement

So I plug in v^2 = 0+2(9.8ms)(10.0)

Now according to the answer sheet V should be 14.0 m s but no matter how I plug this in I can't seem to get the right answer.

I think the problem is the way I am actually doing the math so if someone could perhaps step threw the maths so I can see where I went wrong.

Thanks for any help
 
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you shoudnt only learn about plugging values into the formula, you should learn the physical meaning of the formula! THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT I got 14 using the EXACT equation above, I believe you have made a careless mistake.
 
No, no one can possibly tell you what you did wrong, because you haven't told us what you did! The equation you have, v2= 2*9.8*10 is correct and gives v= 14 m/s. Apparently you made a mistake in the arithmetic, although it seems rather elementary to me! Since you didn't show what you did or tell us what answers you got, I can't tell if it was something as simple as forgetting to take the square root.
 
Solved

How embarrassing, oerg you where spot on I forgot to take the square of the answer I think I have been working at this too long tonight :rolleyes:.

Thanks Again
 
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