Calculating Time of Impact for Released Ballast Bag in 2D Kinematics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the time of impact for a ballast bag released from a hot-air balloon rising at 2.4 m/s from a height of 9.6 m. The user initially calculated the final velocity as 13.9 m/s and estimated the time to hit the ground as 1.2 seconds, which was marked incorrect by an online tool. The correct approach involves using the equations of motion, specifically v = vo + at and x = vo*t + 1/2*a*t², while ensuring the correct signs for velocities. The user later recalculated the time to be 1.66 seconds, but this was also marked incorrect, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the equations or their application.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 2D kinematics principles
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion: v = vo + at, v² = vo² + 2ax, x = vo*t + 1/2*a*t²
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (a = -9.8 m/s²)
  • Ability to interpret and apply initial and final velocity signs in calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the equations of motion in 2D kinematics
  • Practice problems involving free fall and initial upward velocity
  • Learn about the impact of sign conventions in physics calculations
  • Explore online physics simulation tools to visualize projectile motion
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to motion under gravity.

sportzmaniac
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Homework Statement



A hot-air balloon is rising straight up with a speed of 2.4 m/s. A ballast bag is released from rest relative to the balloon when it is 9.6 m above the ground. How much time elapses before the ballast bag hits the ground

known data

y direction
vo = 2.4 m/s
a = -9.8m/s
x = -9.6m


Homework Equations



v = vo + at
v-squared = vo-squared + 2ax
x = volt + 1/2a(t-squared)

The Attempt at a Solution



By plugging numbers into v-squared = vo-squared + 2ax, I got v = 13.9 m/s. Then, I plugged that and other data into v = vo + at, adn it came out to 1.17s (or 1.2s). However, I am entering this into a website which tells you whether you are right or wrong. It marked 1.2 wrong, and I only have one more guess. Is 1.17 right, or did I mess this up somehow?
 
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I'm not sure if you're wrong, sometimes the programming behind those sites can be a bit shady, but it doesn't seem like you defined the final velocity as v=-13.9 m/s, where the initial velocity v = + 2.4 m/s. This will change your final answer.
 
inhere said:
I'm not sure if you're wrong, sometimes the programming behind those sites can be a bit shady, but it doesn't seem like you defined the final velocity as v=-13.9 m/s, where the initial velocity v = + 2.4 m/s. This will change your final answer.

Wow, I messed that up. However, when plugging that into v = vo+ at It came out to 1.66, which I plugged into the site as 1.6s, and it told me that was wrong. Anyone know what I did wrong?
 

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