Find Height of Elevator at T_1: K&K Q1.17

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AI Thread Summary
To find the height of the elevator at time T_1, the marble's motion must be analyzed considering its initial velocity equals the elevator's upward speed. The equations of motion indicate that the marble falls under uniform acceleration due to gravity, g = 9.8 m/s², and the height can be calculated using the time difference between T_1 and T_2. A key point is that the marble is dropped at T_1 and impacts the ground at T_1 + T_2, which clarifies the timing for calculations. The confusion arose from misinterpreting the timing of the marble's drop and its impact, highlighting the importance of careful consideration of the time variables involved.
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Homework Statement


At t = 0, an elevator departs from the ground with uniform speed. At time T_1 a child drops a marble through the floor. The marble falls with uniform acceleration g = 9.8 m/s2, and hits the ground T_2 seconds later. Find the height of the elevator at time T_1


Homework Equations



\frac{dv}{dt}=g
\dot{y}=g\int dt
y=g\int_{T_1}^{T_2}t dt=g\left(\frac{T_2^2-T_1^2}{2}\right)+y_0
y=g\int_0^{T_2}t dt=\frac{gT_2^2}{2}+y_0

The Attempt at a Solution



I was sure of the fact that if I set the 3rd equation above to equal zero, I could solve for the initial height; the problem seemed confusing at first but is actually quite trivial. I turned to the back of the book to look for the answer (and I was sure that I was correct), but I got a hint; if T_1=T_2=4 s then h=39.2 m
The 3rd equation gave me zero, and the fourth one gave me 79.4 m or 2h. I was able to use this to solve for the velocity of the elevator, but that doesn't seem to help much. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong; the height at T_1 is y_0. Can someone help me out? This should have been so much easier. I've got to be making some mistake in the calculus.
 
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When the marble is dropped its initial velocity is the same as the elevator's velocity upwards.
 
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edit: nevermind.
 
Be careful about the times. The marble is dropped at time ##T_1## and it hits the floor ##T_2## seconds later, i.e. at time ##T_1 + T_2##.
 
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