Derive equation for a freely falling particles velocity

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 3K views
mathwizeguy
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Derive an equation that relates the velocity of a freely falling particle to its altitude. Assume that the particle is released from rest at an altitude from the Earth's surface.

Express your answer in terms of the variables and , constant gravitational acceleration at sea level , and the radius of the Earth .


Homework Equations



Given Equation :a=-g*[R^2/(R+y)^2]
R=radius of the earth.

The Attempt at a Solution


i tried taking the second derivative and used the chain rule but i got a different answer from what was shown.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
mathwizeguy said:

Homework Statement


Derive an equation that relates the velocity of a freely falling particle to its altitude. Assume that the particle is released from rest at an altitude from the Earth's surface.

Express your answer in terms of the variables and , constant gravitational acceleration at sea level , and the radius of the Earth .


Homework Equations



Given Equation :a=-g*[R^2/(R+y)^2]
R=radius of the earth.

The Attempt at a Solution


i tried taking the second derivative and used the chain rule but i got a different answer from what was shown.

What, specifically, has your class been studying lately? Would it by any chance have something to do with work, kinetic energy, potential energy, and stuff like that?