Conceptual Question About Simple Motion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conceptual question of whether an object thrown horizontally from a cliff would take longer to hit the ground compared to an object simply dropped from the same height. Participants explore the effects of horizontal motion and gravity on the time taken to reach the ground, considering various factors such as air drag and the independence of horizontal and vertical motion.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the horizontal component of motion does not affect the time it takes for the object to fall, as gravity acts independently of horizontal motion.
  • One participant notes that if the horizontal velocity is very high, it might lead to different scenarios, such as the object potentially reaching outer space, although this is not directly related to the time of fall.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of considering air drag in the analysis, suggesting that the question should be viewed without this factor for clarity.
  • Questions are raised about the forces acting on the object during its flight in both scenarios (thrown vs. dropped), indicating a need for further exploration of these forces.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effects of horizontal motion on the time to hit the ground, with multiple competing views and considerations presented.

Contextual Notes

There is an absence of agreement on the role of air drag and the implications of high horizontal velocities, which may affect the discussion's conclusions. Additionally, the assumptions regarding the independence of horizontal and vertical motion are not fully explored.

jayadds
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If an object was thrown horizontally over a cliff, would you expect it to take longer ot hit the ground below than if it was just dropped over? Please explain.

Many thanks.
 
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jayadds said:
If an object was thrown horizontally over a cliff, would you expect it to take longer ot hit the ground below than if it was just dropped over? Please explain.

Many thanks.


What do you think? What affects the time taken to reach the bottom?
 
If we resolve a vector to a 90° component the result is zero. FCos90°=0
Thus orthogonal vector will not effect each other.

In your case the horizontal component(throwing horizontally) will not effect anything what the gravity doing to the object(pulling it down). Both orthogonal to each other.

If your horizontal velocity is very fast it is possible that the object will be in outer space even the dropping height is small.
 
jayadds said:
If an object was thrown horizontally over a cliff, would you expect it to take longer ot hit the ground below than if it was just dropped over? Please explain.

Many thanks.

This situation is very different depending on whether or not you want to take into account air drag. I suggest viewing this without drag.

If you dropped the object off the cliff, what force(s) would be affecting it during its flight?

If you threw the object off the cliff, what force(s) would be affecting it during its flight?
 

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