Calculations for a ball tossed vertically upward

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the calculations involved in determining the initial velocity (Vo) of a ball tossed vertically upward, specifically when the ball reaches its maximum height (H). The user attempted to substitute 1/2T for T in their calculations, leading to the expression Vo = (H - 1/8gT^2)/(1/2T). However, they encountered difficulties in expressing the height equation h = Vo + 1/2gt^2 in terms of H, particularly when substituting 1/4T for t. The conversation highlights the need to clarify the sign of gravitational acceleration (g) and the relationship between the variables involved.

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jaewonjung
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Homework Statement
A child tosses a ball directly upward. Its total time in the air is T. Its maximum height is H. What is its height after it has been in the air a time T/4? Neglect air resistance. The answer should be in terms of H.
Relevant Equations
h=vot + 1/2gt^2
I tried to substitute 1/2T in for T, because 1/2 T is when the ball is at H. With that, I found Vo, which was (H-1/8gT^2)/(1/2T).

I plugged in Vo into h=volt+1/2gt^2 and put 1/4 T for t, but I could not get an answer in terms of H
 
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I think you might have better luck with this if you say that ##t = 0## when ##h_0 = H##.
 
jaewonjung said:
I tried to substitute 1/2T in for T, because 1/2 T is when the ball is at H. With that, I found Vo, which was (H-1/8gT^2)/(1/2T).

I plugged in Vo into h=volt+1/2gt^2 and put 1/4 T for t, but I could not get an answer in terms of H
Are you taking g to be positive (i.e. 9.81m/s2) or negative?
You have two equations but three unknowns. You have not used the fact that H is the highest height.
 

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