- #1
monkeyboy726
- 1
- 0
rock is dropped from cliff. it is heard hitting the ocean 3.00s later, if speed of sound is 340m/s, how high is the cliff?
im so stuck
im so stuck
Cliff Height Calculation: Rock Drop & Sound Travel
In summary, to determine the height of the cliff from which a rock is dropped and heard hitting the ocean after 3.00 seconds, use the formula d= (at^2)/2, where a is the acceleration and t is the time. The total time is equal to the sum of the time for the rock's free fall and the time for the sound to travel the distance. By solving for t1, the time of the rock's free fall, the height of the cliff can be calculated. Good luck!
- #2
Chronos
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 11,440
- 750
try d= (at^2)/2
a = acceleration
t = time
d = distance
use the speed of sound in dry air at sea level to solve.
a = acceleration
t = time
d = distance
use the speed of sound in dry air at sea level to solve.
- #3
iamhumble
- 28
- 0
Hi -
This is how I would approach this problem...
Draw a sketch to represent the situation. As you can see, the rock is in free fall from y (the height of the clift to the ground) to the ground (y = 0). The soundt travels with uniform speed the distance y (upward). Let t1 be the time of the free fall and t2 the time of the sound traveling up. Then, the total time is t = t1 + t2 = ?. Then, use the free fall formula to get time t1 and then solve for the height of the clift.
Good luck
This is how I would approach this problem...
Draw a sketch to represent the situation. As you can see, the rock is in free fall from y (the height of the clift to the ground) to the ground (y = 0). The soundt travels with uniform speed the distance y (upward). Let t1 be the time of the free fall and t2 the time of the sound traveling up. Then, the total time is t = t1 + t2 = ?. Then, use the free fall formula to get time t1 and then solve for the height of the clift.
Good luck
1. How do you calculate the height of a cliff using the rock drop method?
The height of a cliff can be calculated using the rock drop method by measuring the time it takes for a rock to fall from the top of the cliff to the bottom. The formula for this is: Height = (1/2) x acceleration due to gravity x time squared. This is based on the principle of motion where the distance an object falls is directly proportional to the square of the time it takes to fall.
2. What factors can affect the accuracy of cliff height calculation using the rock drop method?
There are several factors that can affect the accuracy of cliff height calculation using the rock drop method. These include air resistance, wind speed, the shape and size of the rock, and the angle at which it is thrown. Additionally, the stopwatch used to measure the time may introduce some error. It is important to control these variables as much as possible to get an accurate result.
3. How does sound travel help in determining the height of a cliff?
Sound travels at a constant speed through air, which is approximately 343 meters per second. By measuring the time it takes for a sound to travel from the top of the cliff to the bottom and back, we can calculate the height of the cliff using the formula: Height = (speed of sound x time) / 2. This method is particularly useful for tall cliffs where the rock drop method may not be feasible.
4. Are there any other methods for calculating the height of a cliff?
Yes, there are other methods for calculating the height of a cliff, such as using a laser rangefinder or satellite imagery. These methods may be more accurate and efficient, but they also require specialized equipment and may not be accessible to everyone. It is important to choose a method that is appropriate for the situation and resources available.
5. Why is it important to accurately calculate the height of a cliff?
Accurately calculating the height of a cliff is important for various reasons. It can help with geological studies and mapping, identifying potential hazards such as falling rocks, and planning construction projects. It can also provide valuable information for recreational activities such as rock climbing and hiking. Additionally, knowing the height of a cliff can contribute to our understanding of the natural world and its processes.
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