Calculating Velocity of a Free-Falling Object

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of a free-falling object from a height of 9 meters. The incorrect initial approach involved multiplying the height by the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²), which led to an erroneous conclusion. The correct method utilizes a kinematic equation that incorporates initial and final velocity, acceleration, and displacement, resulting in a final velocity of 13.29 m/s upon striking the ground.

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  • Understanding of kinematics and uniform acceleration
  • Familiarity with the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
  • Knowledge of basic physics equations
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
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  • Study kinematic equations for uniform acceleration
  • Learn how to derive the final velocity from displacement and acceleration
  • Explore practical applications of free fall in physics
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bad at math gu
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Hi was wondering if i could get some help with this question

-An object is allowed to free fall from rest from a height of 9 m. What will be its velocity on striking the ground?

---My solution to this was to simply multiply the 9m by 9.81m/s... which is wrong the solution posted to this question is 13.29m/s... which formula should be used for this question?

Any help would be greatly appreciated thank you
 
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Hello bad at math gu,

Welcome to Physics Forums!

bad at math gu said:
Hi was wondering if i could get some help with this question

-An object is allowed to free fall from rest from a height of 9 m. What will be its velocity on striking the ground?

---My solution to this was to simply multiply the 9m by 9.81m/s... which is wrong the solution posted to this question is 13.29m/s... which formula should be used for this question?

Any help would be greatly appreciated thank you
That would be sort of the right approach if you were to allow an object to fall from rest for 9 seconds, but not 9 meters. (and you forgot to square the seconds in your acceleration units: 9.81 m/s2)

Find one of your kinematics equations for uniform acceleration that has initial and final velocity, acceleration and displacement (but not time). That's the easiest way to solve this problem. :smile:

You can find such an equation here: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=110015
 
HA got it thank you
 

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