Calculating Final Velocity for a Dropped Golf Ball

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the final velocity of a golf ball dropped from a height of 78 meters, using the kinematic equation for motion under gravity. Participants are exploring the application of the formula and the arithmetic involved in the calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the kinematic equation v² = u² + 2ax, questioning their arithmetic after comparing their result with an answer sheet. Some participants emphasize the importance of understanding the physical meaning behind the formula, while others point out the need for clarity in the original poster's calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion has progressed with participants providing feedback on the arithmetic errors made by the original poster. While one participant has indicated a resolution to their confusion, there remains a focus on the importance of understanding the underlying concepts rather than just the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster may have been fatigued, which could have contributed to their arithmetic mistake. The conversation highlights the need for careful attention to detail in calculations.

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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